2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
As Christians we suffer so much for standing up for what is right. No easy feat as Paul attests but calls it light in that it’s temporary for a short time.
In “Foxes book of martyr’s” When Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, was arrested, he declared: “God’s will be done!” He provided food for his captors before they escorted him before the Roman consul. The consul was struck by how old Polycarp was: “Pity your grey hairs, old man, just burn some incense before the Emperor and you can go free.”
Polycarp responded: “If you think for a moment that I would do that, then you pretend not to know who I am. Hear it plainly, I am a Christian!”
“Then do this, old man, just curse Christ and I will set you free.”
Polycarp responded: “86 years I have served my Christ and He has never done me any wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who has saved me.”
“I have wild beasts,” threatened the pro-consul.
“Bring them,” Polycarp said. “I would change my mind if it meant from going from the worse to the better, but not from the right to the wrong.”
“If you despise the wild beasts, I will have you burned, warned the consul.”
“You threaten me with a fire that burns for but an hour and then is extinguished. But you know nothing of the fire of Eternal Judgment, which will never be extinguished. Bring what you will.”
As Polycarp was led into the arena, he was heard to pray: “Lord God, Father of our blessed Saviour, I thank Thee that I have been deemed worthy to receive the crown of martyrdom and that I may die for Thee and Thy cause.” (W Polycarp- wikipedia).
Like the martyrs we should never be shaken by any test and succumb to the enemy what awaits has far greater weight than the momentary affliction
Additional readings:
Rom 8:18
Matt 5:12
1 Pet 5:10
🙏🏽Blessed day🙏🏽