RECKONING THE RIGHT WAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Ro 8:18 KJV

Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. But instead of getting angry with God about the things he can’t do, Nick made a defining decision as a teenager to be grateful for the things he can do. And he’s done some amazing things. Nick’s life is a standing rebuke against self-pity. He refuses to be defined by his disabilities. Instead, he has leveraged his limitations and turned them into a testimony. Hundreds of thousands have put their faith in Christ after hearing his testimony. And it’s the suffering Nick has endured that people identify with most. Simply put, God has turned Nick’s pain into eter- nal gain for thousands of people. And Nick has come to terms with that fact. “I’d rather have no arms and no legs on earth,” he says, “and spend eternity with those who come to faith through my testimony!” Paul wrote, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Paul was comparing present-tense suffering with future-tense glory. It’s an accounting term, logizomai. Think spreadsheet or balance sheet—It’s a record of debits and deposits. Al- most like your checking account, your suffering will one day be reconciled. And while we may view suffering as a liability now, on the eternal ledger, it’s an appreciating asset. Peter wrote: “When you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called” (1Pe 2:20-21 NKJV).