[5 Conversations With Christ] DiscouragementSample

If we suffer, we shall reign with Him Did you know that the Bible says that Jesus’s life is revealed in our mortal body? Well, it does. The Bible affirms: “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8–10, NIV) We can learn from this passage that Jesus can be revealed through the suffering of our bodies and souls. Jesus will use our pain to reveal himself to others. Jesus will use any injustices we face to reveal Himself to us more profoundly. Don’t waste your sorrows! Suffering does have a remarkable purpose. The apostle Paul told Timothy that if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him. Who shall reign with the King? The Queen, the Bride of Christ, the Church. Therefore, the requirement to reign with Christ is to suffer. Not all suffering brings glory, but it can bring refinement to the elect. Your sorrows are not wasted! They are not in vain. They have a great purpose beyond that of purification. Our sorrows prepare us to reign with Christ; not only do they prepare us, but they qualify us as well. Can you imagine being asked this question as you ascend to the Throne of God the Son: “Did you suffer for My sake? Were you pressed, confused, and hurt?” If your answer is “Yes,” you could hear your Lord say: “Come, My faithful servant; come and share My joy with Me.” But you might ask: “What if I didn’t suffer for His sake?” Well, you will have been purified, cleansed, and pressed. Your bridal dress needs to be pressed to rid it of all imperfections. Your suffering is never in vain. It will manifest that the extraordinary power you were given comes from God. Are you saying: “I cannot take it anymore”? If you are, all is well. You can run out of strength. He will fill you with new strength as you come to Him. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mathew 11:28, KJV). Who else has words of life that can fill our longings and give us rest? We must not tarry! We must seek our rest and comfort only in God. Let us seek Him until we find our rest in Him. For more information regarding this devotional please  follow this link, https://houstonsfirst.org/message/5-conversations-with-christ-discouragement