I got this phrase from someone who was speaking with God and asking that we be able to trade our minor sorrows for the Lord’s infinite joy. I loved it so much because it reminded me of how much this life is just a small part of the journey that we have to endure, and there will be so much joy after with the Father. Yes, we will suffer, but it is nothing compared to God’s eternal joy!

Suffering

The Bible tells us that we will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). It says since Christ suffered in the body, we are to arm ourselves because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1). But the Bible also says that after we have suffered a little while, God will himself restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. The account of Job displays this so clearly. Job suffered greatly for a while but remained faithful to God. Eventually, God restored him with more than he had before. So, let us be like Job.

The Infinite Joy of God

It is difficult when we go through suffering and pain, but we are urged to remember this simple truth that the joy after is more than worth this. That this suffering will one day appear to us as so very tiny in relation to the joy of the Lord. Paul said that he considers the suffering of this present time, not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). Paul puts it this way. Though our outer selves are wasting away, our inner selves are being renewed day by day. And so momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. An eternal weight of glory!!! We look not at the things that we see but to the unseen things. Not at the transient thing but the eternal thing (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). This reminds us that this life is so short compared to the eternity after. What a great hope!

Be Faithful

James tells us blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because when we withstand the test, we will receive a crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12). So, let us be encouraged to remember this and endure through our suffering and pain. When the suffering comes, remember that God has so much more for us who are faithful. And Paul reminds us that we should not become weary in doing good for in proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). So, let us continue to preserve even when we suffer, even when we do not see returns because we know that this is what God wants from us, and He will reward us in due time.

Earth our Temporary Abode

The Bible teaches us that we are just here for a temporary time and that our eternal future is with the Father. It is where He has made a place for us, where His love will surround us, where there will be no more suffering and sorrows. Hebrews reminds us that here on this earth, we have no lasting city, but we seek a city that is to come (Hebrews 13:14). Philippians tells us that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). We are reminded many times not to love the world and the things of the world (1 John 2:15), that we should not conform to this world but be transformed by the renewal of our minds to know the perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). It is as if the less we hold on to the world, the closer we can draw to God. The more we realize that we are only here for a temporary time, the more so we can live for God.

Do Not Make Roots

So, we should not live this life where the sole goal is to put down permanent roots. We should not be consumed by working hard towards making a great life here, but we should be working hard to draw closer to God and do His bidding here. We should be the light to people, to point them to Him and to give Him all the glory. Yes, God can definitely bless us with comfort while we are here, but our main goal should not be our comfort here, but it should be love for people. This is the heart of God, where He cares for His people and wants us to be His instruments to help them to come back to Him.

So, lets us remember the most important things. Let us remember that we are here for a short time, and we have a time-sensitive mission. We are ministers of reconciliation for the world so that all can have a hope for eternal joy and the love of the Father. And lets us be reminded daily that no matter what we suffer, that we should strive to trade our minor sorrows for God’s infinite joy.

Summary

• This world is a temporary home.
• Our citizenship is in heaven.
• God’s mission for us is the ministry of reconciliation.
• Time is running out for this mission.
• So, let us not be about putting down roots here but about loving the people around us until they see God.
• And let us strive to trade our minor sorrows for God’s infinite joy.

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.