OUR DAILY BREAD : LESSONS IN SUFFERING

[cimi]

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12


LESSONS IS SUFFERING

READ:
2 COR 11:30
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If I must boast, I
will boast of the
things that show
my weakness.
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The close-up image on the giant screen was big and sharp, so we could see the deep cuts on the man's body. A soldier beat him while an angry crowd laughed at the man whose face was now covered with blood. The scenes appeared so real that, in the silence of the open-air theater, I cringed and grimaced as if I could feel the pain myself. But this was only a film reenactment of Jesus' suffering for us.

Reminding us of Jesus' suffering, Peter wrote, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1 PETER 2:21). While suffering comes in different forms and intensity, it is to be expected. Ours may not be as intense as that experienced by Paul, who for the sake of Christ was beaten with rods, stoned, and shipwrecked. He was attacked by bandits, and he endured hunger and thirst (2 COR. 11:24-27). Likewise, we may not suffer like those who endure severe persecution in cultures where Christianity is not welcomed.

In some form or another, however, suffering will come our way as we deny ourselves, endure harassment, bear insults, or refuse to engage in activities that do not honor the Lord. Even exercising patience, avoiding revenge, and forgiving others in order to foster good relationships are forms of following in His steps.

Whenever we encounter suffering, may we remember what Jesus endured for us.

________Laurence Darkmani

**What have you learned about God through your trials?

************************Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Corinthians 11:21-30*************************
21...Whatever anyone else dares to boast about__I am
speaking as a fool __I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they
Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they
Abraham's descendants? so am I. 23 Are they servants
of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more.
I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently,
been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again
and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty
lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I
was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent
a night and a day on the open sea, 26 I have been constantly
on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger
from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from
Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in
danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have
labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have
known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;
I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face
daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is
weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not
inwardly burn?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my
weakness.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Today's passage lists the trials that Paul
suffered in service for the gospel. Most of us have not experienced
the persecution that Paul faced. But for him, suffering was a small
price to pay. In fact, it was an honor for him to suffer because of
the gospel (v. 30). Because Christ suffered for us, suffering for Him
is a privilege. __J.R. Hudberg