Philippians 1: 28-30
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
At some point in our lives we've all been picked on. We've all had people say things behind our backs, or take our lunch money or whatever. Here Paul tells us not to be afraid when people say things about us, why, because we are citizens of Heaven! Jesus tells us not to fear people who can hurt us physically, but instead to fear God and do what He wants.
Sometimes when you read the Bible through you get the idea that God wants us to be in pain. In verse 29 it even says that we've been given the privilege of suffering for Him. Later in Philippians it talks about fellowshipping with suffering, like it's fun to hang out with or something. But when we know that God has a plan, when we realize that this is not our home, and when we know that He's right there with us, everything gets easier to handle. I don't like to hurt, but when my hurt draws me closer to God it's worth it.
-Jeff-
