Meaningful Suffering

“I am glad that I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ...”(Colossians 1: 24 NLT)

It is much easier to recognize God in a miracle than in suffering. Yet, Christ is identified with suffering more than with success. This does not sell well from a marketing standpoint. Thus, most religious groups focus on miracles rather than on suffering.

Not all suffering is equally valuable. When one human inflicts pain on another for personal gain--that is just criminal. When a person willingly  suffers for the benefit of others--that is considered noble. Those who readily participate in the sufferings of Christ without regard to human praise--that is saintly.

Many of us are willing to make sacrifices that bring us public approval.  We are eager to pick up the cross and wear it around our necks as a symbol of our commitment.  Yet, most of us are expecting some gain from our pain. Christ suffered because he was willing to yield himself completely to God’s will. As Christ followers, we are called to relinquish our rights and personal concerns in order to pursue God’s agenda.

Lord, help me to participate in Your suffering as you express Yourself through me.