Daily Direction Reading PlanSample

Someone asked Andrew Young whether the Civil Rights Movement affected him spiritually. Young replied, “You could not be in the movement without the power of the cross. There was a constant willingness to suffer in confidence that God could use that suffering to change America.” In 2 Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul speaks about the comfort God gives those who suffer for Christ. He lists at least three benefits of it. First, he says those who endure pain for Christ’s sake derive comfort from God the Father. Since comfort comes from God, in times of trouble, the best place to be is close to God. Suffering causes us to forget what is temporal and to focus on what is enduring. Paul also says, when we receive comfort from God, that comfort overflows to others. This helps us understand why God sometimes permits us to have painful experiences. It may not be about us at all. Rather, God may be equipping us so we can encourage others. Too often, we focus so much on what brings us personal pleasure that we fail to realize that we exist for the benefit of others. Finally, suffering for Christ brings great honor to Him. It shows that we love and identify with Him. Jesus said, "When people mock you, persecute you, lie about you, and say evil things against you because you are my followers, be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.”