For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake...
—Philippians 1:29 (KJV)
Suffer! How is suffering a privilege?
It's not unless it is for Jesus or to help redeem others with Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name (Acts 5:41). Let's reawaken ourselves to Jesus' reminder that if we follow him, we will likely suffer for him at some time in our lives (Mark 10:29-30). Many believers around the world are actually suffering, are persecuted, and even martyred today. So, let's realize that while God IS working things out for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28), part of that work means our being conformed to the likeness of his Son, the Suffering Servant (Romans 8:29; Mark 10:45). Jesus suffered for us so that we could be saved. Now, when we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we can help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all, even those who hate us, the genuineness of our faith. So few in the world today have anything worth living for, dying for, or suffering for. We, however, have many reasons to live, die, and suffer in honor of Christ. Our lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory because we have shared in his trials (Romans 8:17)!
Please grow our courage, LORD! Help us, your people, O God, to be faithful in times of trouble, strong in times of persecution, and steadfast in times of suffering and martyrdom. May the world see our faith under fire and be drawn to our hope in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Philippians 1:29 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Suffer! How is suffering a privilege?
It's not unless it is for Jesus or to help redeem others with Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name (Acts 5:41). Let's reawaken ourselves to Jesus' reminder that if we follow him, we will likely suffer for him at some time in our lives (Mark 10:29-30). Many believers around the world are actually suffering, are persecuted, and even martyred today. So, let's realize that while God IS working things out for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28), part of that work means our being conformed to the likeness of his Son, the Suffering Servant (Romans 8:29; Mark 10:45). Jesus suffered for us so that we could be saved. Now, when we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we can help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all, even those who hate us, the genuineness of our faith. So few in the world today have anything worth living for, dying for, or suffering for. We, however, have many reasons to live, die, and suffer in honor of Christ. Our lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory because we have shared in his trials (Romans 8:17)!
My Prayer...
Please grow our courage, LORD! Help us, your people, O God, to be faithful in times of trouble, strong in times of persecution, and steadfast in times of suffering and martyrdom. May the world see our faith under fire and be drawn to our hope in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
