Suffering

December 31st – Romans 8:18

2 Comments / Daily Devotional /

Romans 8:18

Today is the last day of the year. And as we reflect on the happenings of 2021, many are more than ready to say goodbye. Yet the same things we are so eager to be rid of, will undoubtedly follow us into 2022. But we needn’t fear. For the Savior we celebrate at Christmas is the same One who will safely carry us into the new year ahead. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. We all, Christians included, will have rough times. But whatever circumstances the new year holds, we know the Lord has a purpose in them. And His glory will shine through each one. I love how Dr. Charles Stanley says, “God’s blessings are worth the sacrifice and obedience. And we cling in hope to the Lord with eager expectation for the rewards that accompany our faith.” So as we venture into the unknown of the new year, we can have confidence knowing we won’t be venturing alone. Happy New Year!

December 31st – Romans 8:18 Read More »

November 6th – 1 Peter 4:16

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 4:16

Some scholars say that back in Peter’s time, being called a Christian was used as an insult by unbelievers. But we know there is nothing more wonderful than being known as a follower of Christ. And what an honor it is to suffer for Jesus’ sake. For one day, His glory will be revealed to all. And every knee will bow, every mouth confess Him as Lord. So any pain we experience as a Christian, we will do so thankfully, boldly, and without shame. Because nowhere do we resemble Christ more than when we endure hardship for His name and glory. In a world that tries to remove God from everything, Christian’s will face mockery, abuse, and even death. But oh the rewards we will receive when we stand before the Lord as overcomers. For just as we share in Christ’s suffering, we will share in His glory!

November 6th – 1 Peter 4:16 Read More »

October 12th – Hebrews 2:10

1 Comment / Daily Devotional /

Hebrews 2:10 

Some wonder how a loving God could send His only Son to die an excruciatingly painful death. Why would He allow Jesus to suffer on behalf of a world of undeserving sinners? Because of His amazing, unmerited love towards us, God was willing to pay any price to call us His. In His deity, sitting at the right hand of the Father, Jesus was already perfect. Yet God sent Him to suffer on this earth to make Christ even better. But how could suffering make our perfect Savior better? Because it was through the pain and suffering Jesus endured, that He got a perfect picture of who we are. How frail, limited, desperate, and hopeless humanity is. He felt the same pain, agony, despair, and loneliness we, God’s children feel. And because of that, He perfectly knows how to help bring us to God, and transform us into His likeness. And through His sacrificial death, Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of reconciling His children back to Himself.

October 12th – Hebrews 2:10 Read More »

Hear My cry O God – Psalm 61

Leave a Comment / Bible Study /

 

Psalm 61

What a week it has been for our country.  I’m sure that like me, your heats have been heavy over the tragedies that have unfolded. We look around at the world today so filled with hate violence, and suffering, and our hearts cry out to God for deliverance. In Psalm 61 David too cries out, “Hear my cry O God.” Even though he was a great king, David knew that he desperately needed God. …

Hear My cry O God – Psalm 61Read More »

Hear My cry O God – Psalm 61 Read More »

August 31st – Hebrews 11:25

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional, Uncategorized /

Hebrews 11:25

Would you willingly leave a life of comfort and ease for one one of suffering and certain death? Silly question right? Yet that’s exactly what Moses did and he’s in great company. Because our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, did the same. Living a privileged life in Pharaoh’s house, Moses had it all. Yet he walked away to serve God and His people, fulling knowing the suffering he would endure. Moses purposely choose the everlasting joy of serving God than the fleeting pleasure of a life of sin. Not to say that it was easy. Moses faced persecution, suffering, and death, time and time again. But he knew the heavenly reward waiting for him would surpass anything this life can offer. Jesus did the same. King and Creator of all, the Lord left His throne of majesty to come to earth to die a criminal’s death to offer us life. Both of them chose God over the riches of the world, and so should we.

August 31st – Hebrews 11:25 Read More »

August 30th – 2 Corinthians 1:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

2 Corinthians 1:7

Some in the Corinthian church were questioning Paul’s qualifications as an apostle. After all shouldn’t a representative of God appear majestic and royal himself? And what was with all of the suffering Paul endured. A true “apostle” should have an easy life right? Such misconceptions about Christianity are common. But we know that suffering comes to everyone’s life, Christians included. Yet, as hard as they are, God always has a purpose for our pain and struggles. In Paul’s case, the suffering he experienced led to the gospel being heard by thousands. And in the hands of God, our struggles will be used for our good as well. For as Dr. Charles Stanley says, “We often learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops.” And in the meantime we can trust and rejoice. For the same comfort God gave to Paul, He will generously give to us.

August 30th – 2 Corinthians 1:7 Read More »

August 29th – Acts 5:41

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Acts 5:41

When the Council of Pharisees and the chief priests had Peter and the apostles beaten for spreading the message of Jesus, you’d think they would have stopped preaching. But instead, bloodied and bruised, they rejoiced for being worthy of suffering for the Lord. As Christians we risk persecution and even physical safety for sharing the gospel. Yet like Peter, instead of defeating us, it should empower us to stand firm in faith. For God tells us to consider it a great blessing to suffer and identify with our Savior. Because the Enemy saves his greatest attacks for the strongest of Christians. Those who are actively working for God in expanding His kingdom. The last thing he wants is for us to share the Good News of Jesus and rip souls out of his hands. But that’s what we are called to do, and we need to have courage and determination to serve God above all else. So rejoice when you have the honor of suffering for Jesus, the One who suffered to save you!

August 29th – Acts 5:41 Read More »

August 26th – John 16:22

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

John 16:22

His disciples were grief stricken when Jesus told them about His approaching death. Yet in the very same breath, the Lord also gave them hope through His resurrection, that they would be seeing Him again. Sadly, living in a fallen world means pain and suffering are are a given. But through Jesus, we can have an everlasting joy no sorrow can take away. For the Lord promises to those who believe in Him, pain and suffering are temporary, as compared to the blessings offered by a life in Christ. Jesus uses the example of a woman giving birth. Her labor pain is intense, unbearable, and agonizing. But once that beautiful baby is placed in her loving arms, the pain becomes a distant memory. And in its place is a heart filled with overwhelming love, joy, and thankfulness. In this world pain and persecution will come. But when we are in Christ, and He in us, our grief will be turned to joy. A lasting joy that no one or nothing will ever be able to take away!

August 26th – John 16:22 Read More »

August 25th – Job 6:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Job 6:10

We’ve all asked why the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper. And I’m sure Job asked himself that very question. For Job was “blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil.” (Job 1:1) Yet God took away his wealth, family, reputation, and his health. Why? Why would God allow suffering in the lives of His children? Although we may not know the reasoning of God, we do know that He uses all things for our good. And just like Job, we can trust in His in goodness, even when that goodness includes the testing of our faith. Throughout his suffering, Job refused to speak against God. Instead he responded with patience and trust. When troubles come knocking, we may not understand why. But like Job, we can trust that God in His goodness will never forsake us, never give us more than we can bear, and will reward our faithfulness. God restored twice all Job had lost. And we can rejoice knowing He’ll do the same for us!

August 25th – Job 6:10 Read More »

August 23rd – 1 Peter 4:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 4:1

The days are growing shorter until the day of the Lord. And until that glorious day, troubles and adversities will increase not only for Christians, but the entire world. But while we wait for the return of our Savior, Peter gives us some encouragement. He urges us to share the same attitude as Jesus when it comes to suffering. The agony Christ endured to give us eternal life should bring each of us to our knees in thankfulness. And so for us to suffer in the flesh like our Lord is not just a privilege, but a testimony of our faith. Because suffering in the flesh means we have made a commitment to turn away from worldly living. To forsake the pleasures of sin and the path of self indulgence. And instead be willing to experience hardships, trials, and afflictions for the sake of Jesus. To follow the example of our Lord and suffer for the glory of God and His will to be done.

August 23rd – 1 Peter 4:1 Read More »