We in America have been so blessed that I sometimes think it is our curse. Instead of making us increasingly grateful it has lulled us into an attitude of entitlement. We look around and somehow feel we deserve not just the blessings we have but that we deserve more! This was never the intent of the blessings God bestows upon us. We certainly don’t deserve them. If we get what we deserve we all deserve Hell! It is only by God’s mercy and grace that we can gain heaven.
Could it be that we are so grouchy and ungrateful because we have not suffered enough? Many times, in scripture, we see where Christians have suffered much for their faith. However, now, across our world, Christians are being killed simply because they refuse to renounce Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We read these stories and feel sorry for them and may even pray for their families, but fail to realize they are living out what the scriptures teach.
In Acts 14:22 Paul exhorts the disciples to continue in the faith, and that they must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
II Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
There are many more verses that state or imply, that as Christians we will suffer for the cause of Christ. These are truths not to be overlooked.
Why is it necessary for us to suffer? Could it be that through great pain we appreciate the beauty of the gift of eternal life? Much like the birthing of a child, through great travail, we enjoy the gift that God has granted us as parents. Is it because we are in direct opposition to the Prince of this world, Satan? Could it be that the trials and troubles here make us long for the city that Jesus said he was going to prepare? A city where everything is perfect. Maybe it’s because when we are in the middle of a trial, we run to Jesus more than when everything is going good.
Why are we not suffering? Could it be that we are not truly his? Could it be his mercies are great because we are not strong enough to pass the test? Could it be that we are so much like the world that it sees no reason to be against us? We may be the greatest asset that Satan has on this earth. Because of our comfort, we simply live our lives having no godly effect on the world around us. We are no threat to Satan’s plan. We live in such a way that the unsaved can live around us and even come to church with us, and leave feeling good about themselves. Many people live with a false sense of security and we may be partly to blame.
I have proposed many questions for us to ponder today. However, one thing I do know, we are called to suffer for His sake. We need to remember persecution and suffering has been the lot of many Christians from the beginning, and it should and will be until the end. Albert Barnes puts it this way, “We tread a path that has been watered by the tears of the saints, and rendered sacred by the shedding of the best blood on the earth. The Savior trod that path; and it is enough that the disciple be as his master, and the servant as his lord,”
Can you recall a time when you knew you suffered for the cause of Christ?
Great devotion! Thank you so much!
Awesome devotion! Thank you.