In CHRIST, We Are . . . Privileged to Suffer~

Trials, temptations, tribulations-
not words we like,
not something we warmly welcome into our life,
not something we receive with joy.

But, we should.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, 

you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

~ James 1:2-4, (NLT)

Make no mistake about it.

Being in Christ does not keep us from suffering.
In fact, being in Christ is a sure guarantee that in this world, we will suffer.

Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus

 will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].

~ 2 Timothy 3:12 (AMP) 

Persecution -
not a word we like,
not something we warmly welcome into our life,
not something we receive with joy.

But, again, we should.

Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous

 (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction

 in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) 

are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake 

(for being and doing right), 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! 

~Matthew 5:10 (AMP)

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. 

The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

~Matthew 5:10 (MSG)

Troubles and persecution -

both are part of being in Christ,

both bring blessings that couldn't come any other way,

both serve a divine purpose in our life.

But, the ultimate reason JOY should be found in our suffering is this:

 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ 

but also the privilege of suffering for him.

Philippians 1:29 (NLT)

To suffer for our Jesus,

to share in HIS suffering -

this is what it means to be in Christ.

This is our highest honor.

This is our greatest privilege.

This is the reason for our JOY.

In CHRIST, we are. . . privileged to suffer.






 

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