"And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation."
2 Corinthians 1:6
Never underestimate the tremendous influence you can wield through
patient suffering for Jesus' sake. The apostle Paul did not view his
sufferings as a supplement to the saving work of Christ, but as part of
God's plan for the building up of the church and for the salvation of
sinners. He referred to his sufferings as the afflictions of Christ,
Col. 1:24, for he remembered what Jesus said to him at the time of his
conversion. "Saul, Saul, why persecute thou Me?" Acts 9:4. The Savior
still identifies with the sufferings of His people, supporting them and
displaying in them His transforming power and sustaining grace.
Christian friends, whether you are experiencing persecution or
undergoing the ordinary trials of life, consider your afflictions a
challenge. By your attitude you . . .
"And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation."
2 Corinthians 1:6
Never underestimate the tremendous influence you can wield through patient suffering for Jesus' sake. The apostle Paul did not view his sufferings as a supplement to the saving work of Christ, but as part of God's plan for the building up of the church and for the salvation of sinners. He referred to his sufferings as the afflictions of Christ, Col. 1:24, for he remembered what Jesus said to him at the time of his conversion. "Saul, Saul, why persecute thou Me?" Acts 9:4. The Savior still identifies with the sufferings of His people, supporting them and displaying in them His transforming power and sustaining grace.
Christian friends, whether you are experiencing persecution or undergoing the ordinary trials of life, consider your afflictions a challenge. By your attitude you can glorify the LORD Jesus and build up His church.
LORD, I thank You for the lessons
That Your suffering ones have taught,
For they show how in affliction
Your great purposes are wrought.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - What happens to us is not nearly as important as what happens through us.