Philippians 1:29
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of CHRIST not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.”
Because we live in a fallen world, the normal human reaction to persecutions and pain is an immediate desire to escape its afflictions, hurts, dangers, and difficulties. But in the SPIRIT of CHRIST, we should embrace them with humility and a thankful heart, confidently expecting our Heavenly FATHER to use them for our spiritual benefit and for His eternal glory.
James considers the various trials that come our way to be 'all joy' and calls us to 'rejoice in our sufferings' knowing that through them our faith will be tested. And this will produce in us patient endurance and a chance to grow so that we may become mature in the faith, and be made perfect and complete in all things. Peter also encourages us to “Rejoice insofar as you share in CHRIST’s sufferings, knowing that you will also be overjoyed when His glory is revealed."
And Paul considers that the sufferings, trials, and tribulations of this present age are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. For it has been granted to us on behalf of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST, not only to believe in Him for salvation but also to suffer for Him as we journey through life in a CHRIST-rejecting sinful world that is lost in the darkness of their trespasses and sins and is at enmity with our Heavenly FATHER. JESUS said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
Prayer
FATHER GOD, how I praise and thank You that I have been called out of darkness into Your glorious light, by faith in CHRIST JESUS’ finished work at Calvary which alone paid for my sins. I also thank You that as a follower of JESUS, I am given the privilege of suffering for His sake. As I travel through a world that is hostile to Your Son and shows contempt for the precious sacrifice of Your dearly beloved Son JESUS, my Savior and my LORD, I pray You would draw me ever closer to CHRIST. May I rejoice in the trials I am called upon to face in this fleeting life, knowing that the sufferings of this present age are not worth comparing with the glory that far outweighs them all and will one day be revealed in me. I praise and thank You in JESUS’ holy Name. Amen.