May I make a true and sound profession, Lord, of your Person, your work of salvation, and of all you have done for me personally in my life. May I never deny you, never be ashamed to testify for you before men.

There is an old distinction between “profession” and “confession” which seems to apply here. To profess is to simply make a claim with your mouth to be a Christian; to confess is to give witness from the heart of what you know to be true. Those who confess Christ and are not afraid to do so before other men, will have their reward from Him.

People are willing to endure great pain if the outcome is desirable. Take tattoos, piercings, plastic surgery, for example. All of these body modifications are painful. Yet people are willing to endure the pain because the outcome is desirable to them. Sometimes they will endure the pain again and again. We’ve all seen people walking around will full body tattoos or multiple piercings. Childbirth is another area where the outcome far outweighs the pain. That’s why some women have two or more children. If the end result wasn’t worth it, no one would endure that pain more than once. This scripture says that we will have suffering–as long as we are on the earth, suffering is a guarantee–but that the suffering we endure is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. Ask any new mom. “Was the suffering worth it?” “Absolutely.” When God’s glory is finally revealed to us, we will feel the same way.

Father, You have promised that my suffering on the earth is temporary. Even so, when I am in the midst of it, it feels eternal. When I am caught up in my present circumstances, remind me that it will soon pass and every minute of suffering I endure here will be nothing compared to the Glory that You will one day show me. Amen.