Philippians 1:29
“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
If there happened to be a check-out line to purchase spiritual gifts, I am sure that suffering would not one of the most popular items in our cart. Be that as it may, in today’s Scripture suffering is presented as a gift.
As I read the words that Paul penned to the church at Philippi I am always reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5. It was part of His Sermon On the Mount; in fact it was part of what we call the Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Is it possible that we have our eyes so focused on receiving only good things that we ignore the importance of laying our lives down for Christ? We may not be called upon to experience physical pain or death, but it is possible to suffer ridicule or humiliation at the hands of those who reject Christ.
Whether it is physical or emotional death, we need to accept the way we are treated as our special gift from God. There will come a time when the struggles of this life will end and the ages of eternal bliss will erase every tear from our eyes. Until that day comes when Jesus calls us home, let us receive the gift to suffer for Him.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil