Partaking in Christ's Sufferings
I've been thinking recently about the verses that tell us to partake in Christ's sufferings. We think immediately of the cross and wonder how that could possibly pertain to us. But Christ suffered in so many other ways.
He suffered loneliness because of not being understood. He suffered criticism. He gave up home and comforts to travel and minister to people. He poured out Himself in teaching and healing people to the point of exhaustion. He had to deal with a "team" of difficult men in order to train and disciple them. He spent 40 days alone in the wilderness - and had to resist the temptations and taunting of the enemy. He suffered in countless ways.
When we go through difficult things, we tend to get frustrated and upset. We don't see any of it as partaking in Christ's sufferings - but what if we changed our perspective? Maybe it would help us get through the hard times - and help us press into the Lord for grace and strength.
None of us like going through difficulty, but we tell the Lord we want to be more like Him. I think it would be good to remind myself of that when hard things come my way! Being more like Christ requires dying daily to self. I need to keep that in my focus during hard times.
"Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-16
"Since we are His children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His sufferings. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later." Romans 8:17,18
"I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings." Philippians 3:10
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross." Hebrews 12:2
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
The Lord has promised to always be with us. So if we go through hard things as partaking in Christ's sufferings - He will be with us to get through them. I am so grateful for His grace and help. He is always faithful!
About the Author: Sally McClung is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team and is co-founder of All Nations. Her husband, Floyd McClung, was a world-renown missions leader. Floyd went to be with Jesus in 2021. He is the author of 16 books, including the best-selling books, “The Father Heart of God” and “Living on the Devil’s Doorstep.”
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