Spirit and Life Devotional is a daily publication by Pastor Chinaemerem Ibezim, senior pastor of Able Ministers Chapel, a church based in Calabar, Cross River State.
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“But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” I Peter 4:13
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Brothers and sisters, Jesus never promised us that we wouldn’t suffer, instead we are told several times in the New Testament that suffering is part of our calling! It’s there in Acts 14:22, in black and white, that “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Tribulation means great trouble and suffering.
We are not to suffer as evil doers, but we will surely suffer for His name. Let no one fool you, it’s part of the contract and we must be ready for it (1 Peter 4:1). When Jesus spoke to Ananias about Paul, He said, “I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:16.
This kind of message should not scare or discourage you, it should encourage you and excite you! Romans 8:17 says that if we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified together with Him. And verse 18 says that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Hallelujah!
I encourage you today, it doesn’t matter what you are suffering because of Christ and the gospel, don’t give up, and don’t think that God has forsaken you; endure; soon you will be glorified. 1 Peter 5:10 says that after you have suffered a while, God will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. Amen.
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