Scripture to Read: Hebrews 5:8
When we think about suffering, it usually sends chills down our spine. No one looks forward to suffering, and most of us ask the Lord to deliver us and to protect us from suffering. But, suffering is a part of life for everyone. Suffering comes in two different ways. One form of suffering is from the sin that we commit. When sin entered man in Genesis 3:6, the effects of sin were set in motion. Sin always brings death (Romans 3:23; James 1:13-15), and because of our sin nature, everyone suffers from the consequences of their sin. But, in Christ, we are set free from our “old self” (Romans 6:6-7) because the “old self” has been crucified with Christ. What we still fight against is our “flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21), which is the mortal body we still live in. The other form of suffering is the suffering that Christ went through because He willingly submitted to the Father’s perfect will. When we are submitted to God, the world is going to hate us, and we will go through suffering because we willingly walk with God Almighty (Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 2:19-24; 1 Peter 3:14-16; 1 Peter 4:12-16). The Bible never teaches that Christians will NOT suffer. Christ learned obedience through His suffering and we will too, as we submit to God and His will.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you about suffering today?
How can you share your faith with others and help them know that Christ suffered for them so they could be set free from the suffering that comes from sin?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!