The definition of embrace-to hold someone or something closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection OR to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.
What are some things that you embrace? The first thing that comes to my mind are my loved ones; especially the grandchildren. I’ll hold and squeeze them until they wriggle away in laughter. I embrace family gatherings and time spent with my husband. As far as embracing a belief; I am passionate about discipleship, kindness and loving others. But embracing pain? Embracing suffering? Umm that really isn’t on my radar.
This week’s reading in Philippians 1 allows for us to see a glimpse of Paul embracing pain and how his response to it caused great advancement of the Gospel. Paul’s perception was that the cost of prison was worth the fruit that it was bearing. He had faith that God had a plan even when he couldn’t see it unfolding and he saw this trial in his life as a missional and eternal opportunity. What about us? Could we be granted with such an opportunity?
I want to share with you a few things that I am continuing to learn:
-It’s a privilege to suffer for His sake.
-When faced with hardship, it doesn’t mean that God has abandoned me.
-A trial is not a punishment, it’s a tool in God’s hand.
-Suffering confirms what Christ has done in me. I rarely look more like our savior than when I am suffering for good and responding with joy in the midst of it. Not only did the Lord give them the gift of faith for the sake of Christ, but that He gave them the gift of suffering for Christ.
-Suffering is not just a burden, but a gift and privilege for me. It's a way to share in Christ's suffering and to demonstrate my loyalty to Him.
Suffering may not be easy, but as a Christ follower, I can be certain that it shapes my character, deepens my relationship with God, and ultimately leads to an eternal reward.
Are you ready for another Joyride? Are you ready to live life worthy of the gospel and be used to show that what you believe is genuine. God has purpose in our suffering; may we embrace this blessing in disguise and suffer well as we trust in God’s plan and the finished work on the cross.
What are some things that you embrace? The first thing that comes to my mind are my loved ones; especially the grandchildren. I’ll hold and squeeze them until they wriggle away in laughter. I embrace family gatherings and time spent with my husband. As far as embracing a belief; I am passionate about discipleship, kindness and loving others. But embracing pain? Embracing suffering? Umm that really isn’t on my radar.
This week’s reading in Philippians 1 allows for us to see a glimpse of Paul embracing pain and how his response to it caused great advancement of the Gospel. Paul’s perception was that the cost of prison was worth the fruit that it was bearing. He had faith that God had a plan even when he couldn’t see it unfolding and he saw this trial in his life as a missional and eternal opportunity. What about us? Could we be granted with such an opportunity?
I want to share with you a few things that I am continuing to learn:
-It’s a privilege to suffer for His sake.
-When faced with hardship, it doesn’t mean that God has abandoned me.
-A trial is not a punishment, it’s a tool in God’s hand.
-Suffering confirms what Christ has done in me. I rarely look more like our savior than when I am suffering for good and responding with joy in the midst of it. Not only did the Lord give them the gift of faith for the sake of Christ, but that He gave them the gift of suffering for Christ.
-Suffering is not just a burden, but a gift and privilege for me. It's a way to share in Christ's suffering and to demonstrate my loyalty to Him.
Suffering may not be easy, but as a Christ follower, I can be certain that it shapes my character, deepens my relationship with God, and ultimately leads to an eternal reward.
Are you ready for another Joyride? Are you ready to live life worthy of the gospel and be used to show that what you believe is genuine. God has purpose in our suffering; may we embrace this blessing in disguise and suffer well as we trust in God’s plan and the finished work on the cross.