This is
“Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-fifth inspirational message dated
Saturday, February 4th, 2023. The title of this message is, “Won’t Be
Long Now – 2nd Cor. 4:17”. The first four words of this message’s title are also the words
in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Won’t Be Long Now” by “Blessing
Offor”.
“Won’t Be Long Now” is a song that I stumbled upon while
looking at songs on YouTube. The below
scripture text is what is found in the seventeenth verse of the fourth chapter
of 2nd Corinthians.
2nd Corinthians 4:17
New International Version (NIV)
For our light and
momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all.
For many years, I have enjoyed reading the inspirational messages as
provided by the Internet site of “KNOWING JESUS” in their publication of bible
verse interpretations and explanations.
I recently read the "interpretation" for today's verse (on February 4th, 2023) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”. “KNOWING JESUS” has the website of - https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com so that you, too, can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible.
I knew that this was a message
that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational
as I did:
2nd Corinthians 4:17 Verse Thoughts
None of us want to invite pain and suffering into our lives and Paul is an
example of a man who went through much suffering in this world for being a
Christian. At times he despaired even of life, and yet despite his
terrible persecution and many imprisonments, Paul willingly endured his
suffering with godly grace, patient endurance, and unspeakable joy.
Paul considered the sufferings he endured for Christ's sake as a light
affliction, which would one day produce in him an exceedingly great and eternal
weight of glory, in the ages to come. He did not enjoy his suffering at all,
but he knew that the pathway of affliction was the same route that the Lord
Jesus Christ had to take on our behalf, when He set His face like a flint
towards Jerusalem and walked to the Cross.
Paul was simply following in the path of his Master because he knew
that Jesus suffered and died for our sake, so that by faith in Him we
could be redeemed from the sentence of death... a death-sentence
that is over every sinful man.
He knew that as Christ’s disciples we are to follow the same path of
humility and humiliation that Jesus took, but he also knew that the sufferings
of this age... by comparison with our eternal future, are very small and will
soon pass. "This momentary, light affliction," he wrote, "is
producing for us an eternal weight of glory, which is beyond measure and
surpassing all comparisons. It is a transcendent splendor and endless
blessedness."
Paul knew that the afflictions of this age are preparing us for a glorious
future that has no limits - and it will remain ours into the eternity of
eternities. If we had to endure unimaginable trials every day of our earthy life,
for Christ's sake, it would pale into insignificance, by comparison with the
glory that God has prepared for those that love Him.
As God's children, we have been promised that His grace is sufficient to
deal with every eventuality we may meet in life. We need never endure our
affliction alone, for He has promised to be with us and God is faithful, Who
will not allow any of us to be tried beyond what we can bear (see below verse - 1st Cor. 10:13). There is no
affliction that we have to face alone, for He has promised to provide us with the
sufficient strength we need to endure it (see below verse – 2nd Cor. 12:9-10) - no
wonder Paul describes life's mounting difficulties as a momentary, light
affliction.
1st Corinthians 10:13
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
2nd Corinthians 12:9-10
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 And He said
to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most
gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Before the Crown, comes the Cross and Jesus was ready and willing to endure the Cross and despise the shame, for the joy that was set before Him, and the Bible makes it very clear that when the people of God suffer with Christ, we will also share in His glory. Scripture makes it clear that the suffering servant of Christ brings honor to His name.
Psalm 30:5b
New King James Version (NKJV)
5bWeeping may
endure for a night,
But joy comes in
the morning.
Please enjoy the below
inspirational song/video, “Won’t Be Long Now” by “Blessing Offor” performed
with power and anointing.
(I do not own the rights to this song).
BE BLESSED!
