Have you suffered so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? (Galatians 3:4)
The galatians were returning to the law, thinking that by their works they can receive justification.
They have forsook the freedom in Christ Jesus and brought themselves back into bondage.
Paul called it "the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13).
These people had witnessed the Crucifixion.
These people had heard, and had faith, experienced miracles, and received the Holy Spirit.
Yet, they are now going back to square one - relying on the works of the law for justification and demanding that others do the same.
And so Paul asked them, "Have you suffered so much for nothing?"
It must have not been easy to be a Christian then.
Why then have they gone through all the sufferings and persecutions as followers of Christ only to annul all of it?
Paul is using logical reasoning here.
If the law can save, then we won't need Christ to die for us (Galatians 3:21-22).
The law only made our transgressions even more obvious (Romans 7:7, 13), but it did not make them more righteous.
They needed Christ.
We need Him today too.
Have you suffered so much for nothing?
It is not easy to be a Christian today as well.
I am sure that behind everyone of us, there lies a marvelous story of grace and love. But what lies ahead is still unknown, and most probably filled with difficulties because we all know that the door is narrow.
So hang in there. Because if you give up now, your sufferings would have been in vain.
But your suffering was not in vain.
Because His eyes are on you, and He knows.
Hang in there.
He is coming soon.
