April 3: Joy Through Tribulation.
The Joy of Suffering for Others.
I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.--Colossians 1:24, NRSV
THE APOSTLES COUNTED not their lives dear unto themselves, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. Paul and Silas suffered the loss of all things. They suffered scourging, and were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most painful position, their feet elevated and fastened in the stocks. Did repinings and complaints then reach the ear of the jailer? Oh, no! From the inner prison, voices broke the silence of midnight with songs of joy and praise to God. These disciples were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer, for which they suffered.
As the truth of God fills our hearts, absorbs our affections, and controls our lives, we also will count it joy to suffer for the truth's sake. No prison walls, no marty's stake, can then saunt or hinder us in the great work.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, 406.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God's help be encouraged.
For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;
he does not despise his imprisoned people.
--Psalm 69:32, 33, NLT
The Joy of Suffering for Others.
I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.--Colossians 1:24, NRSV
THE APOSTLES COUNTED not their lives dear unto themselves, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. Paul and Silas suffered the loss of all things. They suffered scourging, and were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most painful position, their feet elevated and fastened in the stocks. Did repinings and complaints then reach the ear of the jailer? Oh, no! From the inner prison, voices broke the silence of midnight with songs of joy and praise to God. These disciples were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer, for which they suffered.
As the truth of God fills our hearts, absorbs our affections, and controls our lives, we also will count it joy to suffer for the truth's sake. No prison walls, no marty's stake, can then saunt or hinder us in the great work.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, 406.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God's help be encouraged.
For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;
he does not despise his imprisoned people.
--Psalm 69:32, 33, NLT
RSS Feed
