HE IN ME, I IN HIM

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.  To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:24-29     

To rejoice in blessings is one thing, but to rejoice in my sufferings takes deeper grace.  In embracing the sufferings I endure, I join fully in His mission for me in His Kingdom.  I become an offering—sacrificing all I have for the calling of Christ, to fulfill His Word and calling for my life.    

The Word of God is a mystery, once hidden, but now revealed to His saints.  Through His Word, God makes known the riches of the glory of this mystery.  This mystery is now revealed: it is Christ in you, the hope of glory.    

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS  

If Jesus Christ is in me, then He and I are one.  This is the reason for which He came to earth to die for me.  The riches of His glory is having Him beyond compare: to be one with Jesus, I in Him and He in me.    

With Christ in me, I become all the things He promised:  forgiven, loved, and eternal.  Through Him, my labor is His labor, and my works are His works.  This also is true for He in me:  He gives me His thoughts; He shows me His ways.   

When I speak, it is through His voice.  When I serve, I do so with His hands.  The joy that surges when His children recognize this living unity—He is us, and we in Him—is beyond human measure.  

Above all, I remember that Jesus suffered and died for me; this empowers me to rejoice even in my sufferings.  And because He rose again, every trial I endure is accompanied by the promise of eternal blessing that springs from His resurrection.  

 Lord, thank You for dying on the cross for me.  Through Your death, I rejoice in my sufferings.  Through Your rising again, I experience new life in You.  You are now in me and me in You.  Thank You, Lord!  

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.