I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death … Philippians 3:10 NIV
To be honest, I’ve always been afraid of this verse. Sure I want to know Christ, and yes I want to know the power of His resurrection. But suffering?
Hey, I don’t like suffering any more than you do.
But slowly I am beginning to understand that this verse isn’t a command to suffer more, but rather an invitation to suffer in a different way.
Here’s the reality folks: All of us suffer. The good, the bad, the young, the old – you can’t walk through this fallen world without tasting the bitter taste of suffering.
What does it mean to become like Christ in His death? Jesus died victorious. The very Romans who crucified Him stood there in awe and said, “Surely, this is the Son of God.”
What does it mean to know the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings? It means that everything and everyone who tries to destroy us shrink into insignificance next to the presence of the Son of God. Yes, we suffer. But suffering doesn’t diminish us; rather it shows the indestructibility of God’s work in our lives.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.