Join With Me In Suffering

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 2:1-10

The apostle Paul used the analogy of a soldier suffering hardship to describe the trials a believer might experience in service to Christ. Paul – now at the end of his life – had faithfully endured suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Serving Christ requires perseverance. We may encounter obstacles of poor health, troubled relationships, or difficult circumstances. But as a good soldier we press on – with God’s strength – because we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who sacrificed Himself for us!

God’s love does not keep us from trials, but sees us through them.

Our Daily Bread – July 20, 2015