Enduring Through SufferingSample

Have you ever been in fellowship with believers sharing your favorite promises from the bible? Has anyone ever mentioned the promise in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Though we may not particularly favor this verse, it actually is a great and even desirable promise because of what the result will be. Even beyond the positive results, it also can be evidence that we are on the right track in desiring and living a Godly life in Christ Jesus. 

If we are only experiencing a life of ease, we can suspect that we are not posing a threat to the enemy and to the kingdom of darkness. If we are a threat to the enemy, we will face opposition from him. We are targets when we become doers of the word. The enemy has a purpose for these attacks, and it is to silence us. The Lord also has purposes, holy purposes. Much hangs in the balance of how we respond to persecution and suffering.  

This series is about seeking to fulfill the Lord's purposes. May we all grow to the point in our spiritual lives where we begin to wonder what we are doing wrong if we are not facing fairly difficult challenges. We can find it oddly comforting to know that our temporary difficulties are resulting in eternal gain. In following the Lord whole-heartedly, we “win” no matter what the enemy may do to us. 

Look forward to what you have not yet seen. Deny yourself, and take up your cross daily. Be crucified with Christ and walk by faith following Him. Stop living for yourself. Live for the one that died for you. Thank God that His love endures forever. Endure through suffering.