We then, being sinful and far from perfection, should not be surprised if we are called to pass through suffering too. Will the head be crowned with thorns while the other members of the body are rocked on a dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass through seas of His own blood to win the crown, while we walk to heaven in clean, dry slippers? No. Our Master’s experience teaches us that suffering is necessary—and true-born children of God must not and cannot escape it, even if they want to. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact that Christ was made perfect through suffering: He can have complete sympathy with us. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15 ESV). In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, “I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong.” Believer, lay hold of this thought in all your agonizing times. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy, and remember that suffering is an honorable thing—to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. The Lord honors us to the extent that He gives us grace to suffer for Christ and with Him. The jewels of Christians are their afflictions. The regalia of the kings God has anointed are their troubles, sorrows, and griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun this honor. Let us not turn away from being exalted. Grief exalts us and trouble lifts us up. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12 KJV). - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening
Seems that God's not done writing today.
My friend, if indeed you are in Christ, we too will go through some rough patches in life.
All across the world in various places Christians are going through so much in their lives for Christ. Some have even paid the ultimate price with their lives. Satan beyond loathes Christianity and the Jewish people. Those who are sealed in the Spirit through Salvation in Christ Jesus.
So why do so many suffer and die? There's many various reasons given by many men, but the Scriptures say it the way it is. To reach the lost. Every single person has their own reason for both belief in Christ and for not believing in Christ. As unique as your finger print is as it is for you in regards to your faith. It's either in Christ or it's in yourself.
Jesus suffered many things before dying and coming back to life 3 days later. Throughout His life He faced everything we face in our lives...combined.
Scripture says He was well acquainted with grief. A man of sorrows. Nobody in His day would acknowledge that. Most today don't acknowledge that of Him.
We who are in Christ have a mission that hasn't changed since the formation of the Church. Reach the lost. Show Christ to all. No need to explain the true facts of this life that billions who live and have lived are stubborn. The Bible refers to them also as stiff-necked people. It takes all kinds to reach all kinds.
So people are indeed in various stages and states of suffering for Christ. He never promised the easy life to anyone. But He also promised we would never go it alone. That the reward at the end would far outweigh the sufferings we endured.
A peace that passes all understanding. Wow. To be calm while a storm rages. Weird the movie quotes that come to me.
"No matter how much the storm rages, the mountains will not bow to it." The storms of this life cannot compare to the life that comes after it. Nothing in this world is more powerful that the God of the Universe who created it all.
Be encouraged, wherever you are, if you indeed are a believer in Jesus Christ as your Savior. We may fall down, may get knocked down, but He will always be there to help us back up or to bring us home.
Pray for all whom you know. God doesn't have voicemail, He always picks up the phone when we call.
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