Welcome to Day 12 of The Challenge! Our verse to memorize is II Timothy 2:12:
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"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:"
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As a Christian, suffering is inevitable. Trials go with faith like frosting on a cake. The Lord allows suffering as a testing of our faith to prove our love for Him, because love demands a choice. When going through these times of pain we must remember that we have been given an invitation to join our Savior in the fellowship of His sufferings. (See Philippines 3:8-10.) It is this High Calling that will bring about His image in our lives.
We must seek His purposes for each trial, keeping in mind that He has not called us to do anything that He Himself has not done first. Suffering brings about the abiding that John talks about—it is the sheer dependence upon our Sovereign King, knowing that He is in control and that nothing shall separate us from His love. (See Romans 8:35.) One day we will be glorified with Him (see Romans 8:17, I Peter 4:12-14) and experience the Rewards of reigning with Him. "There is no trial so dark where His love does not shine brighter still."
~ Elizabeth Baldwin
"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."-Romans 8:2...
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!”- Romans 8:37 Wow!...
Welcome to the final day of The Challenge! Our verse today is II Timothy 2:26: ~ "And that they...
January 12th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Thank you for the explanation. A book that I would highly recommend on the topic of Christian Suffering is “Safely Home” by Randy Alcorn. Great book! God Bless,
Max Clark
June 2008 Guys Journey
January 13th, 2009 at 9:54 am
What an awesome reminder to see suffering in light of eternity! God certainly does have a purpose for each trial – and trials will come! (Nice illustration, Liz, of trials and faith like frosting on a cake
)
Suffering reminds me of how much I need the Lord and causes me to depend and rely more fully on Him. I must also examine my life to see why I am suffering: for my own wrong or for Christ.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful insights, Liz! They sure helped fill this little verse with much meaning!
“Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:13)
January 13th, 2009 at 9:57 am
That was good, Elizabeth! Sometimes God’s greatest tool in making His vessels more beautiful is suffering and trials. I have found that trials have been what drove me to Him the fastest. It is good to be reminded that trials are what works character in a life!
Thanks!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Thank you so much for sharing, Elizabeth! I really love the quote that you included, “There is no trial so dark, where His love does not shine brighter still.” It is such a comfort to be reminded that even when life seems dark and full of struggles, God’s love is unceasing and unchanging, remaining the bright and encouraging light at the end of each tunnel. He is greater that any trial we may face, and He has promised to work all things together for our good! (see Romans 8:28)
I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be on your team during my Journey! Love you!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
After seeing the great benefits of trials through the years, I can say that though unfavorable, I am truly thankful for them. The times when I felt alone, misunderstood, and without anyone to turn to drove me to my Savior-my ever Faithful Friend. These trials matured, molded, and conformed me to His image; and that is something I wouldn’t want to trade! Thank you, Liz, for your post! I really needed it yesterday. (From a human perspective, it might be what you can call a “bad day”.) As I was thinking upon what you said, the reality that Jesus has called me to suffer (as long as it’s not for my wrong) with Him sank in even deeper than before. It’s something He calls and wants me to go through with Him. We’re going through this together! Instead of ending the day in defeat, I was able to triumph! This has been a great benefit of meditating on II Tim. 2. Thank you again for “The Challenge!” of memorizing this chapter!