"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.

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