Scripture: Romans 8:17 (Amplifed)
Now if we are [God’s] children, then we are [His] heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him], if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Devotion: This verse makes a declaration that is difficult to stomach, let alone surrender to. Yet it clearly states that you must share in Jesus’ suffering. That must mean, then, that whatever Jesus suffered on earth, you must be prepared to suffer yourself on earth.
And Jesus was abused (Matthew 27:26).
So you must be prepared to be abused yourself, even to the worst degree, especially for the sake of the gospel. You have learned that God sometimes does allow abuse for eternally good purposes, and you know this is a fallen world. So for you to deny the possibility of experiencing abuse would be foolish.
Though you can certainly work to put an end to any abuse you may face, and even bring an abuser to justice, you must be spiritually prepared for the possibility of such pain and injustice. Prepared so you can still have God’s peace when you’re in it, so it does not control and define you. Jesus too had to prepare. Indeed Jesus suffered every kind of suffering we can and do experience on earth (Hebrews 4:15).
Yet even if you can agree with that biblical line of reasoning, how can you possibly prepare for, and even enter into, the sufferings of Jesus? And furthermore, why must you? The how and why are closely related: to learn why we suffer is how you prepare! So let’s take a look at some reasons why we are called to share in suffering as Jesus did.
There are so many reasons why we suffer, especially beneficial reasons, that they could not begin to be covered in this short devotional. Rather than expound here on just a few, it would be more encouraging to just get a taste of what a long list of the beneficial reasons there are. Just reading through the list below will likely encourage and prepare your heart, but it will do even more for you to take the time to look up the verses and meditate over and over on them for genuine spiritual transformation.
Suffering…
- unites you with Jesus (Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13)
- frees you to have God’s perspective (1 Peter 4:1-2 MSG, 2 Corinthians 4:18)
- provides you a deeper knowing of Jesus (Philippians 3:8)
- refines and purifies you (Isaiah 48:10, 1 Peter 4:12)
- verifies your faith (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)
- reveals your true self (Hebrews 4:12, Daniel 2:22)
- results in greater life & power (John 12:24-26, 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10)
- increases your joy (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4)
- leads you to glory (2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:18)
Reflect:
- Are you a little more willing and prepared to share in Christ’s sufferings? Even abuse?
