SATURDAY November 9, 2024

Rejoicing in Sufferings

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God...
Colossians 1:24-25

Paul began to elaborate on his sufferings in his ministry to the Gentiles. His call to ministry was not easy. In fact, ministry is never easy. As a Christian, even if you are not serving in some capacity in the church, think of the sufferings you have endured in your own personal life. What trials did you face? Some people, after accepting Christ as Savior, have been ostracized by their families. They really have had to count the cost. None of us like to suffer, but suffering draws us closer to the heart of God.

Look at Job’s life. This godly man endured, while suffering so much, but in the end, God blessed him greatly. I do not think any of us have gone through what Job experienced. He lost everything––his material wealth vanished, his sons and daughters were killed, and his health declined. He received no comfort from his wife. She told him, “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). His friends were no better. They accused him of folly. Surely, he must have done something sinful for God to allow such disasters.

Although difficult, suffering is not to be thought of as strange:

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Suffering will cause us to identify with Christ’s sufferings, and it will give us an assurance of our future salvation with Him. Think about people who will identify with us. We will become a great witness to them as they watch our lives during trials and sufferings. They will continue to see our steadfast faith and hope while suffering. We can be of great comfort to anyone who will go through times of suffering. God will use our lives for His glory.

This is God's universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world.
~John Piper~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!