I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. —Romans 8:18
Paul didn’t make this statement lightly. He knew hardship! Take a look at the list of just some of the painful challenges the apostle endured in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). His “present sufferings” make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships in this life would pale in comparison to that glory. Paul was not only confident that he would share in that glory, but he was confident that it would be ours as well! And how can we be sure? Because the resurrected Jesus, who has ascended to the Father, holds us close to him and our future is bound up in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4)!