Suffering…

I forgot to mention that the one-post-a-day for a week commitment does not include the weekends (everyone needs a break)!  So, now that it is Monday, I am back at it!

I have been studying through Philippians as part of my time with the Lord the past couple of weeks and wanted to share a verse that really struck me tonight.

Philippians 1:29 (ESV)
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…

For one reason or another, I have been having a rough month or so, but I know I have nothing on Paul while he was writing this letter.  Imprisoned, probably in Rome at this time, Paul knows his martyrdom may be imminent.  Having been ship-wrecked, beaten many times, and even stoned Paul has endured a great deal of suffering in his life.  However, he proclaims later in Philippians, to “rejoice in the Lord always!” (4:4)

We see from Philippians 1:29 that Paul clearly has a different perspective upon suffering than you or I may ever have! Here are just a few thoughts on this verse that may encourage/challenge you:

1. In the Greek, the verb translated “granted” (charizomai) stems from the noun for “grace” (charis). What is inferred then is that what is being granted to us is a “gift of grace or favor”. Suffering for Christ is not by accident or punishment, but rather a gift given graciously–a gift of divine grace/favor!

2.What has been graciously given to us? Well, according to this verse belief in Him and suffering! We can rejoice in suffering because it is the partner of genuine belief and because God is accomplishing His purposes in us through our suffering (see Phil. 1:20).

Philippians 1:29 has changed my perspective on some of the momentary problems that I have in my life.  I am encouraged that God has given me the gift of suffering for Christ, and that what I am suffering is part of God accomplishing His purposes in my life!

What do you think?