The Purpose of Suffering

A life in Christ has nothing to do with self-effort (Ephesians 2:8-9), and everything to do with ceasing from our labor and entering into God’s rest (Hebrews 4:10). Life no longer includes our choices. As we take our delight in Him, God puts His desires in our heart (Psalm 37:4). Like Jesus, our only desire is to the do the will of Him who sent us (John 4:34).

We submit to God’s Spirit, who leads us to function in the work, which God prepared for us to do before we were born (Ephesians 2:10). We may experience pain or suffering in this work, but God is using it to strip away our fleshly tendencies, such as inordinate affections, excessive expectations or unholy desires for riches, fame, success and the world. God’s conviction sheds light on every area of our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Jesus already suffered for us in the flesh; but when we suffer also, it may be because we are clinging to our flesh in some area and following its desires. This causes us to sin (1 Peter 4:1-2). Eventually, we realize that, in Christ, we are actually dead to our flesh, and risen to walk in a new life in Him (Colossians 3:2-3, 2:12). We set our affections on eternal, godly aspects rather than on worldly, carnal issues.

Satan often arranges the worst conditions for us, with one trial after another, and some are even rather devastating. However, if we remain faithful to the Lord, He works out all of them for our good (Romans 8:28; Revelation 2:10). Suffering reveals to us our true nature, as well as the nature of our loving, Sovereign God within us. We say with Jesus, “Father not what I want, but Your will be done in me (Matthew 26:39).

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for reprimanding us when we swerve from the straight and narrow path of Your righteousness. You do not want any sacrifice from us except humility and a repentant heart (Psalm 51:17). Thank You for loving us and caring about us (Hosea 6:1; Matthew 7:13-14). Even though Satan stalks us, trying to devour us, You teach us to be mindful of His wiles and to take spiritual warfare seriously (1 Peter 5:8). We cast all of our concerns on You, because You absolutely care about us (1 Peter 5:7).

Thought for the Day:

We heartily serve the Lord with our whole spirit, soul and body, knowing that He will reward us with the inheritance of His Kingdom (Colossians 3:23-24).

The Flesh is Already Dead

The carnal person lives in rebellion to God’s desires for our life. The natural person resists God’s redemption and forfeits His peace and joy both on earth and for eternity. The focus of carnality is on the self and everything that benefits the flesh, regardless of any spiritual priorities or needs. Even Born Again people often cater to their flesh more than their spirit.

However, this carnal focus will not continue in the life of an authentic Believer. Our union with Christ makes a huge difference in our life. God’s Spirit will continually convict the sinful soul of His priorities. We find the freedom of forgiven sin, the contentment of acceptance in God’s Family and the security of our identity in Christ’s character within us (Galatians 5:22-23).

God’s Spirit renews our mind (2 Corinthians 4:16; Titus 3:5), transforms our emotions (Ephesians 3:16-20) and heals our body (Psalm 103:3). We enjoy worshipping our King more than serving our flesh. We willingly lay down the deeds of our flesh, because we realize that in Christ our flesh is already dead (Colossians 3:3-4). Spiritually alive, we experience victory over both sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Prayer:

Father God, by Your divine power, You provide us with every resource we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). The fact that You dwell in us by Your Spirit and that You will perfect us in spirit, soul and body relieves so much pressure from us on a daily basis (Ephesians 1:14). We do not have to perfect our self. You give us the desire and the ability to work out our own salvation, as we live in respect for Your authority and power in us (Philippians 2:13).

Thought for the Day:

Be filled with the Spirit and speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. – Ephesians 5:18-19