Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 29, 2012

He Knows

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” - (2 Corinthians 4:17)

God can actually use persecution and hardship in the life of a Christian. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you . . .” (John 15:18–20).

If you are discouraged by your suffering, by your hardship, here are some encouraging principles to remember.

Jesus is eternal.In Revelation 1:17, He calls himself “the First and the Last.” He always has been and always will be eternal, and whatever is happening to you is temporary when you who have believed in Him who is eternal. You will spend all eternity in His presence, so whatever your suffering is, it won’t last forever. As 2 Corinthians 4:17 tells us, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Jesus knows about your suffering.When you are hurting in a bad way, it is great to talk to someone else who has been there. It is encouraging to see they are still standing, they are still alive, and they have endured it. As a result, they are able to comfort you with the comfort with which they have been comforted. And one day, you will be able to do the same for someone else.

There is a beginning, there is a middle, and there is an end to what you are going through. It is not going to last forever.

Summary sentence: Here are some encouraging principles to remember when in a hardship.

Tags: Persecution, hardship, comfort

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

SPECIAL OFFER

Your gift today, whatever the size, will bring the gospel to people through Harvest America and the outreach efforts of Harvest. 

In appreciation for your gift of investment today, you can receive both Hope for America and a companion resource titled Pray America Prayer Journal. The only way America can really experience a spiritual awakening is through prayer, so this prayer journal makes a great companion piece to Hope for America. It was written by my wife, Cathe, and I know that it will help you get started in praying for your country, for yourself, and for those around you.

SHARE

Christianity / Devotionals / Greg Laurie Daily Devotions / Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 29, 2012