Day 4 – Ready to suffer

“Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13 NKJV

I can, with all honesty say, suffering is not the most fun thing I can think of.

Yet, Paul was ready to suffer and die for our Lord Jesus. He knew that His earthly suffering will be short-lived in the long-term story of his eternity and if he had to suffer for Jesus (which he did) he did it with readiness. I know I, for one, am very fast to start complaining if I feel like I’m in a season of suffering. But, through God’s Grace, He reminds me of Paul and all He endured whilst spreading the Gospel.

None of us can understand the suffering Jesus endured for us on the cross. Without complaint, ready to spread His arms on the wooden beam to wholeheartedly take all our sins on Him. He understands our seasons of suffering better than we ever would. It is in these seasons we grow closer to the understanding of what Paul meant by being ready to suffer, and yes, even die for Christ. I am yet to find a verse that says being a follower of Jesus is easy. My dear friend, because we are not conformed to this world, there will be trials and tribulations we need to suffer for our faith. May we all consider this an honor like Paul did and may we be ready to face these sufferings with the knowledge that Jesus is right there with us giving us everything we need to persevere and push through to victory in His Name.

Prayer: Father, I humbly ask forgiveness for the times I complained like the Israelites in the wilderness about the suffering I have to endure. Instead of complaining, I will see it as an opportunity to be ready to suffer for our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me to suffer with Your Joy in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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