THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Lord, why is it necessary for Christ-followers to experience problems and sufferings? Don’t You relieve us of our burdens, struggles, and problems according to Your own words in Matthew 11:28—“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Isn’t being Your follower supposed to give us Heaven-esque life here on Earth?

Paul taught the Philippian believers to strive to become more like You, but never hesitated to warn them that with this transformation came problems as well:

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead, and I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death — Philippians 3:10

Even though You are the Son of God, while You walked this earth, You were not exempt from suffering and trials. Often, Your prayers were offered with loud cries and tears, yet in Your humanity, You learned obedience through suffering, (Hebrews 5:7-9). If You weren’t exempt, why should we be?

Paul’s encouragement to the Philippian Christ-followers rings true for us today. He said to hang on, the best is yet to come, (Philippians 3:14, 16). We must endure suffering because our suffering makes us increasingly more like You, Jesus. Help us understand, and accept, that problems, trials, suffering are necessary to produce godly character. And unless we go through these troubles, we miss the blessings of becoming like You, (Romans 5).

Lord, help me be willing to endure suffering so I may become more like You. Amen.