Week of February 22, 2009

How many have read the "fine print" in following Jesus? Or putting it in more biblical terms, how many have truly "counted the cost"? We say we are willing to follow Jesus. We yearn for eternal life. We cry out for God's help through all life's struggles. But have we understood that following Christ often involves difficulty and suffering?

Paul's radical conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 brought him from darkness to light-yet, ironically, left him physically blind for three days. When his eyes were opened again, he would see the world from Christ's perspective. The course of his life would change as he became an apostle to the Gentiles. Yet, the fine print of Paul's job description clearly states, "I will show him how much he will suffer for the sake of my name." And suffer he did as he faithfully laid the foundation for the Gospel among the Gentiles.

Paul would later write to the Philippians, " that I may know the power of his resurrection, and may share in the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11) We often want God to remove the trials from our lives. We want to be problem-free, healthy, content, happy, and fulfilled. Yet, God's plan is that we learn to trust Him in the suffering and in the trials. It's there that faith is built.

1. How does suffering produce faith in your life?
2. Is all suffering for the sake of Christ? Explain your response.
3. What is it in suffering that may bring God glory?