The Value of Suffering and Christian Humility.

Introduction

Good morning friends,Is there something that God has placed upon your heart to do for Him? Have you been set you apart for the work of His Kingdom? Are you being molded and shaped to ensure that your character matches your calling? Are you confronted with your own shortcomings and fear you’ll make a mess of the talents that God has entrusted to you? My friend, be encouraged, you are in good company.

Body

God will not call you towards something and not adequately prepare you for. God is faithful, and you can be confident of this, that He who has began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6). However, following Jesus will come at cost. A cost that you must be willing to count as His disciple. It is life of self-denial and seeking the will of God above your own (Lk 9:23-27). It is a life of esteeming others more significant than yourself (Phil 2:3). It is a life of service and of embracing the lowly place and trusting that God will exalt you in His time and according to his good pleasure (Lk 14:11). Its a life of trusting God’s plan for you above your own and holding onto his promises in the our darkest moments (Jeremiah 29:11). It is a life setting our eyes on upon Jesus as we wait upon Him to fulfill his promises (Heb 12:1-2).

We have been called to a life of drawing near to our Sheperd. Resting in Him and being dependent upon Him to fulfill our every need. Following Him through the valleys and even being comforted with the rod of His Chastisement. (Psalm 23:4). Our Good Shepered has not promised us a life does not promise you riches and glory but rather a life of persecution and suffering (2 Tim 3:12) and fellowship with Him. Which in His Hands, are instrument for His glory molding and shaping us into the image of our Risen Saviour (Romans 8:29).

Conclusion

In closing, I invite you today, suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 2:3).

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

And remember, that God is more intersted in you, than He is in your calling. Remember to thank Him today for the work He has begun and will finish in your life.