To This, You Were Called
Many mistakenly view Christianity as the place you go to be blessed and have an easy life, and, in part, this is true. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Mt 11:30 This is not the whole of the story, though! The most significant life changes tend to come through the greatest trials and struggles! This is the nature of life. You’ve heard it...” No pain, no gain.” Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he also had to be made perfect through suffering.
Heb 5:8-9 Son though he was, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Without a doubt, everything that will be great will go through struggle and trial!
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The word “witnesses” in this Scripture is the Greek word martys, which means martyr, record, or witness. When the Holy Spirit empowers a person, fear is destroyed, and the ability to be a great witness for Christ no matter what the cost becomes a reality!
As an apostle, Peter went through a lot of suffering for the gospel and, according to history, was crucified upside down. He most definitely understood suffering, and here’s what he wrote.
1 Pet 2:20-21 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.
In this Scripture, the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, says that we are called to suffering. Is this so that we can prove our righteousness? NO! The truth is, suffering is the only place you can learn the profoundness of resting in God’s love, faithfulness, and provision. As we grow in the revelation that God loves us more than anything else in the world, we will, like Jesus, apostle Peter, and Paul, know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God has everything in control! Apostle Paul said, “All those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Tim 3:12
God will never allow you to go through something unless it is ultimately for your good! Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Those who know how loud they are by God are the ones who live their lives to fulfill the purpose for which God created them! Today, God is looking for those through whom he can move mightily! Please understand this – sacrifice will always be a way of life for those who achieve greatness!
Are you willing to go the whole way with God even if it means suffering? According to Scripture, suffering will be a part of fulfilling your God-given destiny, and as we read today…
To This, You Were Called