Joy in Suffering

“ . . . that I may know Him in the power of His resurrection, and in the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10)

Christians who are rooted in Christ are spiritual lights in this dark world, and Satan hates the light, because his deeds are evil. The opposition we face in the spiritual realm is fierce, as Satan, his demons, and people used by them seek to extinguish every vestige of Jesus Christ from the earth. As ambassadors of Christ, we represent the perfection of the Kingdom of Heaven on this fallen and dying planet. The world’s attitude toward us is the same as it was toward Christ –- violent and oppositional. Thus, we share in the sufferings of Christ, and we do so joyfully!

In Christ, we find the example of a heavenly visionary, who looks beyond today's test and sees eternity's gain. It is of the utmost importance for every saint to develop the same gift of spiritual foresight. That means being able to look beyond the momentary difficulties and seeing the glorious end the Lord is a truly after. Hebrews 12:2 puts it this way, . . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. This is what Paul is saying when he points us to "the power of His resurrection." We, too, must die to ourselves in order to experience a resurrected life. Simply put, Jesus never took His eyes off His Father, but He endured, laid down His life, rose in power, and so must we! Therein lies the purpose and power of His resurrection.

Let's Pray - Father, it is an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ, for we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! We desire to be those who overcome in You. Amen.