“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” Philippians 1:29 (ESV)

No one likes to suffer.

Yes, we may accept it and endure it.

However, to embrace it takes courage and faith.

An attitude that any comfort or pleasure we may experience isn’t necessarily a God-given right.

And a firm belief that the pain is actually for your own good.

Yet in this passage we’re told the Philippian believers will suffer not for their own sake but that of Christ.

And that it’s “granted” to them like it’s a gift or a reward. Not a punishment for their sins as we may be inclined to think.

When was the last time you prayed for the gift of suffering?

Kim+

prayer : help me to endure any suffering for the sake of Christ

action : seek not comfort but God’s will