Suffering

  • A Divine Vocation

    Luke 2:22–35

    Lest we think that Christ bore His pain with ease, let us remember that even Jesus asked for the cup of suffering to pass from Him (Luke 22:39–42). Yet He did this in faith, submitting to the Father ...Read More

  • After You Have Suffered

    1 Peter 5:10–11

    In the light of eternity, all of our suffering takes on a new perspective. When we truly understand and trust that we will enjoy the glory of God forever, we will be all the more enabled to endure bravely and ...Read More

  • An Abiding Possession

    Hebrews 10:34

    Where do you fix your hope? Are your eyes on the perfection of heaven or have you become overly concerned with the things of this world? Look at your life — your goals, how you spend your money, your concerns, and ...Read More

  • Anchoring Your Soul

    Is your soul anchored to the biblical hope of the future, the new heaven and earth, where there will be no more sin and suffering?Read More

  • A New View of Suffering

    Romans 5:3-5

    Have you learned to look for the good that God is working to bring out of your tribulations? Be diligent to take your experiences of suffering to Him in prayer, asking for perseverance, character, and hope. Ask also for assurance ...Read More

  • An Unworthy World

    Hebrews 11:37b–38

    Many Christians live in relative comfort with no real threat to their lives. Others live under the very real threat of martyrdom. Think of a country where Christians are in real danger of losing their lives. Over the weekend, pray ...Read More

  • Arm Yourselves

    1 Peter 4:1–2

    When Peter says that those who suffer in the flesh have ceased from sin, he is not teaching that sinless perfection is possible in this life. Until we are glorified we will still sin. However, as John Calvin writes, if ...Read More

  • Avoiding a False Theology of Suffering

    Reflect on this truth: The suffering of Christ cannot be augmented by your merit. It is complete.Read More

  • Belief and Suffering

    Philippians 1:29–30

    If we are surprised when persecution comes, then we will find it more difficult to endure it and experience the grace of God in our suffering. Yet as we remember that both belief and suffering are granted to us by ...Read More

  • Be Not Ashamed

    1 Peter 4:16

    John Calvin writes, “it is no common kindness from God, that he calls us, freed and exempted from the common punishment of our sins, to so honourable a warfare as to undergo for the testimony of his Gospel either exiles ...Read More

  • Be Watchful

    1 Peter 5:8–9

    Calvin and other commentators agree that Ephesians 6:10–20, and the armor of God described therein, provides a guide for how we might stand firm and resist Satan’s devices. Persevering faith, prayer, and the Word of God can ...Read More

  • Called to Suffer

    1 Peter 2:20b–21

    Take some time today to read through 1 Peter and consider the call to stand firm for Jesus even when it brings suffering to us. Spend some time in prayer meditating on how willing you are to bear the sufferings ...Read More

  • Captivity Promised

    Genesis 15:12–13

    Being a servant in the kingdom of God does not carry with it a life of ease. In His wisdom, the Lord has seen fit to exact His reign through weak disciples in whom His power is made perfect (2 ...Read More

  • Christ Our Example

    1 Peter 2:21–23

    Jesus is our example as we suffer when doing good. Like Him, we must not retaliate in kind, but we must entrust ourselves to the care of our Father knowing that He will justly repay all those who have treated ...Read More

  • Consider Jesus

    Hebrews 12:3

    As you run for the prize of heaven have you ever found yourself weary? Perhaps you might even be weary now as you endure many problems and trials. Whether you feel weary now or strong, take some time to meditate ...Read More