Rejoicing in Heavenly Reward

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Paul faced beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, hunger, and cold—yet he finished strong, declaring "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His eyes remained fixed on the crown of righteousness awaiting him. Every disciple except John was martyred for faith, yet none recanted. Their secret? They valued eternal reward above temporary comfort. Jesus commands us to "be glad and rejoice" in persecution because our reward in heaven is great. This isn't denial of pain—it's perspective. When you stand before the judgment throne and hear "well done, good and faithful servant," every insult will fade, every sacrifice will pale, every tear will be wiped away. Today, let heaven's reality shape your earthly response. Your faithfulness joins the great cloud of witnesses who chose Christ over everything.