Encouragement

How a Christians Joy Will Overwhelm Our Current Suffering

by Michael Edwards 
04/27/26
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Scripture often uses vivid imagery to help us understand spiritual truth, and one of the most powerful comparisons is the picture of a woman in labor. Jesus Himself said, “When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world” (John 16:21, ESV). The pain is sharp, intense, and unavoidable—but it is temporary. And when the child arrives, joy floods in so fully that the suffering is swallowed up.

This is the Christian’s experience in this life. We groan under the weight of aging bodies, trials, disappointments, and the slow decay of our “body of death” as Paul describes our mortal condition in Romans 7. Yet Scripture assures us that our suffering is not the end of the story. Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18, ESV). The contrast is staggering: present suffering versus future glory—and they are not even in the same category.

Just as labor pains intensify right before birth, many believers experience increased suffering in later life. The body weakens, losses accumulate, and earthly joys fade. But this is not a sign of God’s absence—it is the final stretch before eternal joy breaks forth. Peter encourages us, “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13, ESV). Suffering now deepens the joy to come.

James echoes this truth: “Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3, ESV). The pain has purpose. God is shaping, refining, and preparing His children for eternal life.

And what awaits us? Scripture gives a breathtaking promise: “He will wipe away every tear… neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (Revelation 21:4, ESV). The labor pains of this life will give way to everlasting joy, unmarred by suffering, aging, or sin.

For the Christian, death is not a defeat—it is delivery. We leave behind the brokenness of our earthly bodies and step into the fullness of life with Christ. The moment we enter His presence, every sorrow will be overshadowed by joy so complete that the suffering of this life will seem like a distant memory.

Take heart: your present suffering is temporary, but your future joy is eternal.





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