“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” – Philippians 1:29
When you think of the blessings of God, what do you think of?
This is a tough verse, today, isn’t it? Do you ever really think of suffering as a blessing?
If I were to have the choice, I would always select the blessings that feel good. I’d pass by the suffering options. Yet, we are blessed to not only believe but participate in Christ’s suffering. Let’s take a look at James 1:2-3.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.“
That’s pretty hard. When everything is going wrong or I’m being mistreated, joy usually isn’t the first thing I think of. Sometimes I find it helpful to imagine Jesus preparing to become incarnate, thinking of having to live for 30 years in our sinful mess, be rejected by His own creation, and then go through unimaginable pain and suffering.
Yet, Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He thought about the joy that was to come, the salvation of mankind and redemption of all creation, and set His face towards the cross. He endured the suffering knowing the joy that was to come.
Like the “suffering” of physical therapy or intense exercise, suffering and testing produce endurance and perseverance. It’s good for us. Often, it also turns out to be good for others who see us willing to suffer for Christ and continue to cling to Him. It can help to look beyond the suffering to the joy that is to come, the endurance in Christ and eternal life with Him.
Does this change your perspective on anything you are going through, now?
Dear Jesus,
When I start to complain of my suffering, remind me of Yours. When I start to get weary, remind me of the joy to come. When I get weak, remind me that when I am weak, you are strong and help me to lean on You.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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