AUGUST 15

The Glory in Suffering

Bible Reading: Romans 8

Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

2 Corinthians 4:17, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Both these verses contrast the believer’s present sufferings against the future glory which lies ahead.  Everyone on this planet experiences suffering.  Indeed, there is no place to which you can go to escape it.  Those who live only for the here and now cannot look forward to any alleviation or escape, because their sufferings are only a precursor to a greater, eternal suffering which is prepared for those who refuse the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10).  The believer faces both common human suffering and the added burden of suffering for Christ’s sake.  It is the prospect of future glory which keeps him from losing hope. 

The Apostle Paul was an expert on suffering, having experienced more than his fair share (2 Corinthians 11:23-29).  He knew all about suffering, but deemed it to be light and momentary in comparison to future glory.  Such afflictions can only be deemed light and momentary when weighed against something else. Imagine a balance scale in your mind’s eye. On one side of the scale, place your afflictions, having gathered them all up, big and small. It seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Now, on the other side of the scale, place the “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” The weight of what God has prepared for us makes our afflictions, though they appear huge to us now, seem smaller in comparison. God has prepared for us “an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison!” To be sure, there’s some mystery here. The term “glory” is itself a big word! Yet bound up in there is the redemption of our bodies, Christlikeness and our future home in heaven! Jesus promised the day will come when He will “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). The trials we face in the here and now are temporary. The glory we will experience in heaven with Jesus will be forever!

MacArthur nicely summarizes how we should view our present suffering in view of our future glory: “As followers of Christ, our suffering comes from men, whereas our glory comes from God. Our suffering is earthly, whereas our glory is heavenly. Our suffering is short, whereas our glory is forever. Our suffering is trivial, whereas our glory is limitless. Our suffering is in our mortal and corrupted bodies, whereas our glory will be in our perfected and imperishable bodies.”

Our present troubles seem lighter when weighed against the future glory God has prepared for us.  The key then to maintaining hope amidst our sufferings then is to use your eyes of faith.  Depending on the Spirit, as He speaks to you through your Word, you can “set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).  Treat the matter like making a lengthy trip to some glorious destination.  Though you may face some hardships along the way, keeping your focus on where you are going will help you to remain hopeful!

BE STILL, MY SOUL

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hast’ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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