Suffering Brings Us Closer to Christ
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
When we face difficult times in our life, we can go the Lord for His strength, guidance, and comfort. Going through trials and tribulations with our Lord, we spiritually grow. When life is comfortable and easy, we may not seek the Lord for his guidance, and we can spiritually stagnate. All through history people go to God when tragedy strikes or when we face a heavy trial in our life. The Israelites eventually walked away from God when life was good and comfortable, and they would not listen to the prophets. They ended up being overcome by another country and became slaves. Their life became bad and uncomfortable, so they called on God for help. What does it say about us when we call on the Lord only when we need Him?
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16 ESV) Everything was created by God, including us, and everything was created by Him and for Him. Just as Jesus served the Father, we are created to serve Christ. It’s only through being a servant of Christ that He guides us through the trials and tribulations with his love, power, and wisdom.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4 HCSB) We may not consider joy in all trials, but if we endure through the guidance and power of our Lord, it will enhance our faith, and make us mature and complete. We will be closer to the Lord and we will be more Christ-like.
I want to know Christ–yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (Philippians 3:10) Paul’s desire to know Christ was so powerful he was willing to participate in His sufferings and becoming like Him in his death. This would enable him to experience what Jesus experienced, and that would draw him closer to Christ with love in his heart. It is a fact that if we suffer in this life we can identify what Jesus and it will draw is closer to Christ just as it did for Paul.
Today, endure whatever you have to face, and call on the Lord for His love, power, and strength. He will carry you through anything in life because he loves you more that we can imagine.
Prayer: Be with me Lord as I go through life, because I depend on your love and power to endure, especially during the difficult and fearful times. Guide me to be your servant through life in all situations. In Jesus name, Amen