I think it is very important to make a clear distinction between the provision of God for His people in this time and His reward for His people, which is another thing completely. God’s reward for His children is an eternal matter and it will be given upon His return:
Revelation 22:12 (KJV)
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Things could not be more clear than this. The reward for the believer will come as we are introduced to eternity. I say these things because we are so tempted to evaluate the wisdom of our choice to follow Christ by the conditions we experience in this life. Christ clearly warned us that in this life and world we would have tribulation. History clearly illustrates this matter for us. Many, like Stephen, have been called to suffer greatly for Christ in this time. Our promise for this day is found in God’s provision of our daily needs: our reward will be far different:
Psalm 37:3 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
This is God’s promised provision:
Psalm 37:9 (KJV)
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
This is the believer’s reward. As followers of Christ we have so very much to look forward to. Let your mind think and dwell on these things!
