"Previewed"

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

My son, Shea is a movie fanatic. One of his favorite things about going to a theatre and watching a movie is watching the previews of coming attractions. If there was a possibility we would miss the previews, he would not want to go to the movie.

The Apostle Paul’s preview of the glory of Heaven inspired his declaration in Romans 8:18. Of course, he wrote the passage under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but he also wrote the passage out of a personal experience. In Acts 14:19, we can read how Paul was stone to death and raised from the dead. It was at that time; Paul had his preview of Heaven. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 tells us, Paul saw things and experienced things that were so awesome he could not even describe them. It was out his seeing and experiencing the glories of Heaven, he declared the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory of Heaven.

Sure, the adversities of this world can be hard. But as we look through those adversities toward the glories of God in this age and the age to come, the joy of those Holy Spirit revelations can fill our souls. That is why David declared, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13)

When I played quarterback, there were a number of times that as a pass left my fingertips I was hit violently hit by an opposing defensive player. But as I was being thrust to the ground, I heard the crowd enthusiastically cheering because my receiver had caught the pass and scored a touchdown. The joy of the touchdown and the offensive victory overshadowed the discomfort of the hit.

The Apostle Paul victoriously declared the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared to the blessings and glories being revealed and will be revealed to us. It is on the basis of this truth we can look through the adversities of this world with joy, strength and endurance.