Granted Suffering

Philippians 1:29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
THERE’S this lie in the Christian culture that says, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” I don’t know where that thought began. Or wait! I do know it’s origin. Because of sin, we have this dim view of God. We cannot possibly acutely see that a loving God would desire we would suffer for Him. “Certainly,” people say, “God doesn’t give you suffering and disappointments! They are more than you can handle.” But that’s not true.
    These false teachings come because we do not believe God directs suffering and trials to the purpose of His will. But think of this. How is it possible Jesus has saved you? Do you remember how Jesus suffered horribly for you? 1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
    Your spiritual eyes must see that Jesu’ suffering is to accomplish God’s will is done on earth. God certainly does take us into trials to his glory. Read the testimonies of Christians who have suffered horribly for Jesus, and you will hear the evidence of God’s magnificent love. Faithfully entering into circumstances we can’t handle on our own opens our souls to more deeply know God.  
    Consider, also, Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Jesus clearly said His followers would get more than they could handle daily. Discipleship is cross work! It’s serving, suffering and even dying as the Lord will call. And more, Jesus gives you these cross-bearing words in Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
    Christ-following requires you get more than you can handle. Yes, He gives you more and more and more until you know the Holy Spirit is your strength. 1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
 
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