Thursday: HOLD ON, AND DO NOT LET GO

Mar 30, 2023
2 min read

This week, I am exploring what God says about SUFFERING. As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”

Lord, teach me today about suffering. I desire to be receptive to the grace You give me, so my heart can be full of Your Holy Spirit.

Let me consider the Word of God from 1 Peter 4:12-19

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Am I still surprised that I am in the middle of a war between good and evil? I should not be. This passage says it is just a test. Jesus does not test me for the purpose of flunking me, but for my benefit. When I participate in the sufferings of Christ, His glory is revealed, and I become overjoyed. When I am insulted because of the name of Christ, the Holy Spirit rests on me, and I am blessed. Whenever I suffer for being a Christian, I should not blame God or be ashamed, but instead praise Him because I bear the name of His Son.

It is hard to suffer, but the more I suffer, the more I should praise God’s Name. When I suffer, I should commit myself to my faithful Creator and continue to do good. Committing myself to God means I am presenting my life as an offering to God.

God wants to wash me with His grace, so I can see what He sees—His Son Jesus living in me. I know I do not suffer as badly as some people, but I may suffer more than others. No matter how I view my level of suffering—God’s instruction is the same: cling to Him, and do not let go.

Lord, as long as I am clinging to and abiding in You, You supply me with the grace I need to endure the suffering. You say Your grace is sufficient for me, and Your power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9).

Thank You, Jesus, for suffering for me!

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman