Embracing Suffering: The Path to Eternal Glory

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering with Christ Leads to Future Glory

Enduring suffering as followers of Christ is not a sign of failure or abandonment, but rather the very path through which God produces fruit, shapes our character, and prepares us for the glory that is to come. The pain and discomfort we experience are not wasted; they are the means by which God brings out the best in His people and draws us closer to Him. When we count the cost and choose to follow Jesus, we are invited into a journey that may be difficult, but it is filled with hope, purpose, and the promise of being glorified together with Christ. [01:30]

Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are experiencing discomfort or suffering for your faith, and how might God be using this season to shape you for His glory?

Day 2: Endurance and Faithfulness in the Face of Hardship

The call to follow Jesus is a call to endure, to remain faithful even when the path is hard and the world is hostile. Jesus Himself endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and He invites us to fix our eyes on Him as we run our own race. When we face hostility, discouragement, or suffering, we are not alone—Christ has gone before us, and He is both our example and our strength. Endurance is not just about surviving; it is about pressing on with hope, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded as we reign with Him. [05:32]

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Reflection: When you feel weary or discouraged, what practical step can you take today to fix your eyes on Jesus and draw strength from His example?

Day 3: Choosing the Voice of Wisdom at the Crossroads

Life continually brings us to crossroads where we must choose between the seductive voice of the world and the voice of wisdom that leads to life. The world’s path is wide, easy, and appealing to our flesh, but it ultimately leads to destruction. The voice of wisdom, though sometimes calling us to a narrow and difficult road, promises true life, favor from the Lord, and enduring riches of righteousness. God invites us to listen for His voice, to seek Him diligently, and to choose the path that leads to life, even when it is not the most comfortable or popular. [19:28]

Proverbs 8:1-4, 17-18, 34-36 (ESV)
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man... I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness... Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

Reflection: Think of a decision you are facing right now—what would it look like to intentionally seek God’s wisdom and choose His path, even if it is harder?

Day 4: The Narrow Path and the Hope of Eternity

The way of Jesus is not the easy or popular road; it is narrow, often difficult, and chosen by few. Yet, this path leads to true life and eternal reward, far surpassing anything the world can offer. While the world chases after comfort, wealth, and fleeting pleasures, Jesus calls us to take up our cross, endure tribulation, and set our hope on the glory that is to come. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the eternal joy and rest that await us in His presence. [22:44]

Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to choose the “wide path” of comfort or compromise, and how can you realign your heart today to pursue the narrow way that leads to life?

Day 5: God’s Spirit Helps Us in Weakness and Works All Things for Good

When we face moments of deep pain, confusion, or weakness, God’s Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Even when we do not know how to pray or what to say, the Holy Spirit is at work, bringing our needs before the Father and working all things together for our good. Our hope is not in what we see, but in the unseen glory that God is preparing for us. We are called, justified, and will be glorified—not because of our strength, but because of His faithfulness and love. [35:51]

Romans 8:26-30 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Reflection: Recall a time when you felt too weak or broken to pray—how might you invite the Holy Spirit to intercede for you today, trusting that God is working even in your pain?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the reality of suffering and the surpassing glory that awaits those who follow Christ. Drawing from Romans 8, the call is to recognize that being led by the Spirit as children of God means embracing both the privileges and the costs of discipleship. Too often, the invitation to follow Jesus is presented as a solution to life’s problems, but rarely are we told to count the cost or prepare for the suffering that comes with true allegiance to Christ. Yet, it is precisely in the pain, discomfort, and trials that God produces fruit, refines His people, and brings forth His glory.

The example of Charlie Kirk, who faced hatred and real danger for his convictions, illustrates the courage and faith required to stand for Christ in a hostile world. His willingness to endure threats and opposition, supported by his family, is a reminder that following Jesus is not a path of ease but of sacrifice. The Scriptures—2 Timothy 2, Hebrews 12, and Luke 9—underscore the necessity of endurance, the call to fix our eyes on Jesus, and the importance of not looking back once we’ve set our hand to the plow.

Life brings each of us to crossroads, often through trauma or crisis. These moments, while painful, are also opportunities for God’s Spirit to break in and transform us. Just as trauma can open the door to darkness, it can also be the very place where God’s love and power enter to redeem and restore. The world offers seductive voices promising comfort and pleasure, but these paths ultimately lead to destruction. In contrast, the voice of wisdom calls us to a narrow, difficult road that leads to life and eternal reward.

We are reminded not to envy those who prosper in worldly terms, for the true inheritance is reserved for those who endure with Christ. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. Even creation itself groans for redemption, and the Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness with groanings too deep for words. All things, even our pain, are being worked together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

The invitation is urgent: do not wait to surrender to Christ. Tomorrow is not promised, and the call is to come as you are, trusting Him to restore and renew. The cost is real, but the glory ahead is beyond compare.

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering is not an interruption to the Christian life but an integral part of it. God uses pain and discomfort to refine us, produce fruit, and reveal His glory through us. The call to follow Jesus is a call to embrace both the privilege of being His child and the cost of discipleship, knowing that suffering with Him leads to being glorified with Him. [02:07]
2. The crossroads of life—often marked by trauma or crisis—are sacred opportunities for transformation. While trauma can open doors to darkness, it is also the place where God’s Spirit can break in, bringing healing, deliverance, and a new beginning. Our lowest moments can become the birthplace of supernatural encounters with God’s love and power. [10:34]
3. The seductive voices of the world promise comfort, pleasure, and instant gratification, but their path leads to spiritual death. In contrast, the voice of wisdom calls us to a narrow, difficult road that may seem unappealing but leads to true life and favor from God. The choice between these voices is a daily reality, and wisdom is found in seeking God diligently at the crossroads. [19:28]
4. The hope of the believer is anchored not in present circumstances but in the glory to come. Even creation itself groans for redemption, and we, too, wait eagerly for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding with groanings too deep for words, assuring us that all things—even suffering—are being woven into God’s good purpose for us. [30:47]
5. The urgency of surrender cannot be overstated. Life is fragile, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. The invitation is to come to Jesus as you are, without delay or pretense, trusting Him to restore, renew, and lead you into eternal fellowship with the Father. The cost is real, but the reward—eternal glory with Christ—is infinitely greater. [38:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Led by the Spirit: Children and Heirs
[01:30] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[02:32] - Charlie Kirk’s Example of Courage
[04:45] - Enduring Suffering and Reigning with Christ
[05:32] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[07:01] - Counting the Cost: No Looking Back
[08:18] - The Kingdom, Satan’s Jealousy, and Our Choice
[09:32] - Trauma as a Crossroads
[12:14] - Navigating Media and the World’s Voices
[14:53] - Two Voices at the Crossroads
[16:18] - The Seductress: The Path of Destruction
[19:28] - The Voice of Wisdom: The Path of Life
[22:44] - The Narrow and Wide Gates
[24:47] - Wealth, Idolatry, and True Inheritance
[26:21] - The Perspective of Eternity
[29:02] - Present Suffering and Future Glory
[33:44] - The Spirit’s Intercession in Our Weakness
[35:51] - Called, Justified, and Glorified
[37:28] - Come As You Are: The Urgency of Surrender
[39:50] - The Free Gift of Salvation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 8:14-30 (ESV) — > For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
>
> For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
>
> Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 (ESV) — > The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

Luke 9:61-62 (ESV) — > Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Observation Questions

According to Romans 8, what does it mean to be led by the Spirit and to be called children and heirs of God? ([00:37])
In 2 Timothy 2:11-13, what is the connection between enduring (or suffering) and reigning with Christ? ([04:45])
What does Jesus mean when he says, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”? ([07:01])
In Romans 8, what is the significance of creation “groaning” and the Spirit interceding for us with “groanings too deep for words”? ([29:02]; [33:44])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that suffering is not an interruption but an integral part of the Christian life. Why do you think God allows suffering to be part of following Jesus? How does this challenge or affirm your understanding of discipleship? ([02:07])
The pastor shared about trauma being a crossroads where God can break in and bring transformation. Why might God use painful or traumatic moments to draw people closer to Him? ([10:34])
The world offers comfort and pleasure, but the “voice of wisdom” calls us to a narrow, difficult road. What are some ways these two voices compete for our attention in daily life? ([19:28])
The hope of the believer is described as being anchored not in present circumstances but in the glory to come. How does this perspective affect the way a Christian faces suffering or disappointment? ([30:47])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “count the cost” of following Jesus, not just to expect Him to fix our problems. What are some specific costs or sacrifices you have faced, or might face, in following Christ? How do you feel about those costs? ([01:30])
The example of Charlie Kirk was given as someone who endured hatred and danger for his faith. Is there an area in your life where you are hesitant to stand for Christ because of fear of opposition or discomfort? What would it look like to trust God in that area? ([02:32])
The pastor described trauma and crisis as opportunities for God’s Spirit to work. Can you think of a painful or difficult moment in your life that God used to bring about growth or change? How did you respond at that crossroads? ([10:34])
The “seductive voices” of the world promise comfort and instant gratification, but lead to destruction. What are some specific “voices” or temptations in your life that you need to be more aware of or resist? ([19:28])
The sermon urges us not to envy those who prosper in worldly terms, but to focus on our true inheritance in Christ. Are there people or things you find yourself envying? How can you shift your focus to the “glory ahead”? ([24:47])
The Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, even when we don’t know how to pray. Is there an area of your life right now where you feel weak or unable to pray? How can you invite the Spirit to help you in that area? ([33:44])
The invitation to surrender to Christ is described as urgent—“tomorrow is not promised.” Is there a step of surrender or obedience you have been putting off? What would it look like to respond to Jesus’ invitation today, rather than waiting? ([38:31])

Sermon Clips

So we're at this crossroads, and there's this voice. I found myself, like I said, at this crossroads. And how I got to that crossroads was through all kinds of destruction and whatever. But I realized looking back now, that God used everything I went through to bring me to that place. And I would tell you Guys, like I've said before, did I love being in prison for 11 years? No, I didn't. I didn't like it. But I'll tell you, this God used was a spiritual boot camp. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Looking back, I would say, you know what, Lord? Thank you. Thank you, Lord, that you used that. You used my addiction. You. You used everything that. All the brokenness, every bad decision I ever made, thank you. You used it to bring me to this crossroad. And when I was at that crossroad, I listened to the right voice. Finally, right? [00:17:21] (64 seconds) #GodUsesEveryTrial

But this one path that we're faced with has everything the world can offer us. But in the end, it leads to death. In the end, it's eternal separation from God. And then there's this other path that promises us difficulty in this life. Jesus said, in this life, you will have tribulation, but take heart. In this world, you will have tribulation, but take heart. I have overcome the world. So we are promised that there's going to be difficulty in this life. But see this other path? The end is eternity in his presence, right? And when we think of eternity, we can't even grasp that. I mean, mentally, we can't even wrap our minds around that. [00:25:21] (53 seconds) #CountTheCostToFollow

I want to be a person who says, here I am, Lord, send me. I want to be the person that says, lord, I will. I've counted the cost. I understand what's at stake here. I understand the possibilities. And I'm still willing to. To follow you. I still want to follow you. [00:28:13] (18 seconds) #SpiritIntercedesInPain

``So here's where the rubber, I guess, meets the road. The sufferings and the difficulties that are ahead for the believer are nothing compared to the glory that we will receive. So that's why the writer of Hebrews said, fixing our eyes on Jesus, fixing our eyes on him. [00:28:32] (30 seconds) #AllThingsWorkForGood

Our hope is in eternity. Our hope is in the future glory. Our hope is not in what we have right now. It's in what we can't see. It's in the things we can't see. What we see on this world is broken and dark. What we see happening around us is horrible. But we have this hope. We're saved in this hope that there's an eternity, there's an eternal glory and a rest that we hope for. We eagerly wait for it. And we persevere. We endure. We fight it out. We slug it out. [00:30:53] (39 seconds) #ComeAsYouAre

And he always was saying things, tweets and different things that he put out there. You know, it's all about Jesus. It's not about me. He knew that to live is Christ and to die is gain. And that's the kind of people we need to be. That's the kind of people that. That we need to aspire to be. And I'm not saying we all need to be a Charlie Kirk. I'm saying we all need to have it settled in our heart that the one who's called me and the one who's redeemed me is more important and better than anything this world can offer me. And I'm going to serve him until I meet him. And if it means I meet him tomorrow, I'm okay with that. If it means I meet him, if I breathe my next breath and it's my last, I'm okay with that. Actually, that's a promotion. [00:32:04] (60 seconds) #Don’tDelayYourCall

And we know that all things. This is the kicker right here. We know that all things work together for good. To those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose, for whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he predestined, these he also called, and whom he called, these he also justified. And whom he justified, these he also glorified. [00:35:44] (36 seconds) #FreeGiftOfGrace

It's never too late until it's too late to decide to follow Jesus. We always think there's always tomorrow, or we tell ourselves this lie. I'll clean up my life first, and then I'll follow Him. You made a mess of your life. If you could clean it up, it had already been cleaned up. I made a mess of my life. There was no cleaning up the mess I made. Not by me. And that's just it. That's why he says, come as you are. It's because we can come to him with all our baggage, with all our junk, all our wounds, we can come to Him. And he says, let me fix your life. Let me make the repairs. Let me give you newness of life. Let me restore you into fellowship with the Father. And it's only by his blood that we can be restored to fellowship with the Father. It's only by Him. [00:36:58] (68 seconds)

If you haven't surrendered to him and his call on your life, don't wait. Don't wait, because tomorrow is not promised to anybody. Charlie Kirk did not wake up that morning. I'm sure he didn't wake up going, by noon today, I'll be dead. He's 31 years old, just starting a family, just starting off on this adventure that God had called him to. In our human perspective, we think that we have time in our control and that we have, you know, we think in terms of, well, I'm 31. I've got at least another 50 years, probably, you know, and we don't know. Satan comes but to kill, to steal and to destroy. And if you've got a call on your life, you're a threat to his kingdom. And if we're a threat to his kingdom, we have to be aware that there's a risk involved in following Jesus. We have to understand there's that risk. But we have to be willing to say, I'll take that risk and I'll follow anyway. I'll stand. [00:38:31] (80 seconds)

He took it all because we couldn't pay that price. And now it's a free gift. It's a free gift to us. It's a free gift to us to just say, I'll follow. I'll do it. [00:40:04] (20 seconds)

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