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).

Spiritually Minded

The Lord Jesus Christ is our God. He saves us, rejoices over us with gladness, quiets us with His love and rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). He dwells in the midst of our life. His Holy Spirit steadily draws us toward perfection as He convicts us of sin, and empowers us to walk in victory over these transgressions. Slowly, our soul – our mind, will and emotions – is sanctified, and readily rejects worldly pursuits and desires nothing more than to remain hidden with Christ in God.

As we fully absorb the concept that Christ now lives His life in and through us, we, as the Body of Christ, will truly make a difference in the world around us. We seek eternal goals and dreams, rather than material ones. God has a perfect will for our life, which surmounts the physical restrictions of this earthly realm (Acts 8:39). Time, space and matter no longer confine us. Jesus proved this when He walked on water. Christ in us put an end to sin and death in us. Now we can concentrate on His spiritual truth, rather than carnal limitations that we face in life.

We are dead in Christ, but also risen with Christ, in all of His wisdom, power and strength. The negative aspects and encounters we face in life take on a new meaning. We see them as instruments of God to improve our obedience and to perfect our faith. We view trouble and trials from an eternal mindset now. They no longer cause worry or stress, because we know without a doubt that God is in control even in these difficulties. Maybe our house burned down, the boss increased our quota, our loved one passed away, our mate divorced us, the bank account is empty or a child is bent on rebellion, to name a few circumstances. However, God is in control of even these trying times.

The soul in union with Christ no longer wastes any energy on worldly issues. We keep our focus solely on God and His peace reigns in our heart (John 14:27). We live in Him and by Him, because He dwells within us. Jesus gives us this union with the triune God. We have a personal, intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is not reserved for a few individuals, but is available for all authentic Believers who are willing to lay down their life and to allow Christ to live in them and through them (1 Peter 2: 21-25).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we long to live as exact replicas of You! You lived in love, humility and surrender to our Father. Help us to pattern our life after You, so that everything we say and do will last throughout eternity. Your coming brought the eternity into the present for all Believers. We live in eternity with You now, because You reside in our spirit. Thank You for Your sacrifice and for opening Your heart to us and including us in Your Body. You are our joy, our life, our peace and our salvation. We eternally lift up our praises to You .  

Thought for the Day:

We experience God’s best when we completely surrender our life to Him.
 





Thank you, Michelle Benge, for the use of your lovely photo.