HE WILL BE WITH YOU

READING: PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30

Verse 29: “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” 

Suffering is very much an element of our Christian heritage . In fact, we are informed by the Bible in 2 Timothy 3:12 as well as Philippians 1:29 that suffering in Christianity is to be expected. There are also other scriptural statements that provide information about suffering. For example Acts 5:41 presents suffering as a privilege, and according to Galatians 3:4, it is never in vain. The life of Christ is a model for all who aspire to Christian living. In that role and He served to pattern the role of suffering. Hebrews 5:8 says that even He learned obedience by what He suffered. There are numerous additional scriptures on suffering, but Hebrews 2:9 is the last example for this reading. That verse depicts the act of Jesus suffering death as something crowned with glory and honor. Regardless of scriptural encouragements regarding suffering, we still often struggle when discomfort and suffering occur. At those times, though, we can and should trust His word. It assures us that He knows every time, place and purpose for this part of His plan for all who are His. He is and will be with us providing heavenly power and godly victory. In our times of challenge and struggle, we can be realistic about the difficulty that we are experiencing; while at the same time recognizing and accepting the presence of the Lord as God our comfort and victory. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the greatest gain you have experienced that has resulted from suffering?

2. How would human living be different without suffering?