ESOCS Devotional 30 September
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1:1-16 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV
‘Suffering for Christ’ in simple terms are those afflictions we experience for doing God’s work or for furthering the good news of the kingdom. It also refers to the persecution, maltreatment, oppression, torture that Christians face and, or receive, or that is meted to them because of their belief in Christ. This persecution, maltreatment, oppression, torture come from those who do not believe in what the Christian is professing. Paul, Peter, and their brethren professed Christ; they were persecuted but to the glory of God. Christ was the ‘Master’ sufferer for what He stood for to the glory of God the Father.
What does the Christian stand to gain suffering for Christ? A worker is entitled to his wage. The Bible acknowledged this in 1 Timothy 5:18. Paul believed that the suffering associated with the advancement of Christ’s kingdom is God’s way of allowing Christians to become more like Jesus, to suffer for the gospel, just as Jesus suffered for it ( Phil. 1:29; 3:10). Jesus ascended into heaven, wearing His crown of glory, and is seated at the right hand of His Father. Again, we receive comfort from God while passing through tribulation (2 Cor. 1:3-5). Comfort comes in the form of strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our hardship. The more suffering, the more comfort God gives us. It draws us closer to Christ. It grows our faith, patience, and leads to our perfection (Jam. 1:2-4). Furthermore, suffering produces perseverance, which in turn produces Christian character as noted by Paul in Romans 5:3-5. We are also equipped for the ministry (through the experience we gained from suffering). It prepares us for more glory (2 Cor. 4:17-18). Suffering also teaches us how to comfort and encourage other Christians who are facing the same afflictions. Finally, God uses suffering to improve his people and shape them into better Christians. In fact, suffering should be thought as the necessary pain that accompanies spiritual growth.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
It is important to state that when afflictions come, when life seems not easy, we should not depend on our own skills and abilities, but God. Rick Thomas said, “Beyond your ability is right where God wants you.” Depending on God is not defeat or weakness but a realization of our own powerlessness without Him, and our need for His constant contact. He is our source of power and we receive His help by keeping in touch with Him at all times, and not only in times of affliction or need (Ps. 46:1-6: Is. 41:10).
Bruce Lee said, “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for strength to endure a difficult one.”
CHALLENGES
- Do you regret the sufferings you are encountering because of God’s work? Are friends asking you to take a bow?
PRAYER POINT
- Ask God for day-to-day renewal of strength and ability to endure all sufferings, especially in these last days.
FURTHER READING: Romans 8:28; Revelation 2:19
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ESOCS Devotional 30 September
