stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:29)

I hate watching others suffer from a debilitating disease.  When my mom suffered from Parkinson’s, she agonized for ten years with tremors and neurological damage that eventually produced an inability to walk, talk, and even chew her food.  I remember all my dad could do to help alleviate her suffering her last few days was wipe her head with a cool washcloth and moisten her lips with ice-cold water in a sponge on a stick.  Ten years later, he would suffer similarly from the same disease, and I would do the same to help him in his last moments.  

When Paul says, “We have been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe Him but also suffer for Him” (1:29), he’s not talking about that kind of suffering. Part of the church’s compassionate ministry is to help those suffering in those ways. While we should exalt Christ when we experience physical sickness, the suffering Paul referred to was persecution from believing in, living for, and sharing Jesus. Paul considered suffering for Christ a privilege. He also thought it was granted – gift-like in nature.  The word for granted (charizo) is rooted in “giving, rendering, and granting.”  Paul infers that suffering for Him is as wonderful as the gift of believing in Him. To him, they are both necessary.  

What benefits does suffering for Christ bring?  It reminds us to faithfully represent Jesus no matter what happens (see 1:27).  It strengthens our witness that we serve Jesus in good and bad times.  Suffering for Christ causes us to seek the comfort that comes from God above earthly comforts. It can also reveal our commitment level to Christ.  When times get tough, will we remain faithful? I’ve personally found the times I’ve persevered in suffering for Christ to increase my faith and deepen my reliance on God.  Suffering for Christ has built my character in Christ.  

While no one wants to suffer for Christ, we should not reject or resent it. We must not be caught off guard when it happens (however it happens). May we allow suffering for Christ to increase our trust in Him and draw more people to Him.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• How has your witness been when you’ve faced physical or spiritual suffering?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Spend time allowing the Lord to investigate your reservations in suffering for Him.  Allow the Spirit to minister to your fears.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Take time today and read about those in Scripture who suffered for Christ.  What emotions did they display?  What reactions did they have?  How did the Lord grow them?  What Kingdom results were accomplished through their suffering?  How was the Lord near?