Scripture to Read: Colossians 1:24
When suffering for the cause of Christ is talked about, not many Christians jump up and say they are ready for it all. As God led Paul to write to the church in Colossae, he was actually writing this letter from a Roman prison. Paul knew what it meant to suffer for the cause of Christ, and he was willing to suffer if it meant that others would come to know Christ as their Lord and that weaker Christians would grow in Christ. God had Paul write in Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” God had Paul share how he willingly rejoiced in his suffering for the body of Christ. God also had Paul say that he was “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” Paul knew God was using the suffering he was going through to work out His good according to His perfect will (Romans 8:28). Suffering for Christ was not a surprise to Paul, for our Lord Jesus Christ had told Ananias this in Acts 9:16, “for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Jesus showed Paul, through His Holy Spirit, how he would suffer for His Name’s sake. Paul testified of this in Acts 20:23, “except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.” Suffering for Christ should be expected and not feared.
Challenge & Application
What was Jesus’ message to Paul about suffering and how did Paul face the suffering?
How has God used suffering in your life to lead others to Christ and to mature you in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!