Sharing In His Suffering

I don't like to suffer no matter what season or what drama brings it on. Nope I don't do suffering no matter what.

I awake to the real world. My world and I'm still going through stuff I rather not. Have I mentioned how much I hate this part of the Christian walk?

Yet God said I would have some form of it and what I do with it is what I should be concerned with and what matters to God.

When I read this little devotional, encouragement came bursting forth within me giving me a second wind. I'm thankful for this for I have some major suffering taking place and I'm working feverishly in getting to the other side closer and more in tune with the Creator of the Universe.

God Bless.

Sharing in His Suffering

As Christians, we like the thought of sharing in Christ's glory, but what about sharing in His suffering? Jesus took care of the death penalty once and for all so we don't ever have to worry about that again. But the Bible teaches that we must suffer times of trial if we are to share in the glory. Is it worth it? According to Romans 8:18, it certainly is!

We tend to believe that we suffer because of our circumstances and if they would only change, we'd be able to act right. But God wants us to become so mature and stable that we act right even when none of our circumstances are good. There are different levels of faith, and most of the time we want to use our faith to get rid of all suffering. But sometimes God's plan is for us to exercise a higher level of faith that will carry us through life's challenges.

Too often we marvel at the delivering power of God and overlook His keeping, strengthening and enabling power. Jesus promised in John 16:33 that He will give us His peace during the trials of life and the power we need to overcome them. I encourage you today, if you are going through a time of suffering, take heart because in Christ, you will come through it and share in His glory which shall be revealed!

• Prayer Starter: Lord, Paul said that present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory that comes from walking with You. I want to have that same attitude. I receive Your enabling power to walk through any suffering that comes my way.

Joyce Meyer Ministries