“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33, KJV

Do we think that God is not aware of our needs? If we trust Him, He WILL provide. This does not mean that we will not have hardships. In fact, there WILL be days when we will have to go without many of this life’s pleasures. To be certain, there WILL be days when we are called to suffer through pain and adversity. We may even be called to die for the truth about Christ. However, remember that God will give us the strength and the peace to endure EVERYTHING. He will give us 100 times more than we will ever have to sacrifice for His Eternal Kingdom.

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29, NIV

Now, what is the better deal? Temporary suffering with a loving God who will comfort us in our afflictions, or a life of pleasure without any hope for eternity? The pleasures of this world are overrated compared to the eternal bliss that awaits those who love Jesus. The temporary pleasures of this world lead to violence, addiction, and death; the temporary sacrifices we make for the Kingdom of God lead to rewards that we will enjoy forever and for eternity, AMEN!

~Stephen Beagles