Joy in suffering

Muse over Colossians 1:23-29

How far would you go to benefit someone you love?

When you thought about these words ‘I rejoice in what was suffered for you’ did that jar a bit?

It seems weird that suffering and hardship can lead to joy, but that’s what Paul is telling us here. He’s not being masochistic or stoical, he’s revealing an important life principle.

When we sacrifice ourselves for others it can lead to joy for us.

The hardship Paul was enduring was being borne ‘for you’. We know Paul’s ministry was shot through with danger, risk and pain yet he constantly rejoiced over those he was reaching with the message of Christ.

He realised that his suffering was in some way connected with Jesus’ own suffering on the cross. That enigmatic phrase ‘filling up … what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s affliction’ is hard to interpret. But, if it tells us nothing else, it shows us there is a link between Christ’s affliction and our sacrifice for whatever ministry God calls us to.

And surely it’s worth it! Speaking of the gospel, Paul says ‘ I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in all its fullness.’ In the same way our ministry, whatever it looks like, is the result of a calling God has laid on our lives.

I pray you’ll live in the confidence that brings today.

Prayer

Praise God that even when life is tough we can find joy, even though that doesn’t always take away the pain.

Admit: Is there anything I need to confess to him today?

Come: Bring your requests to him now – especially pray for …

Thank: What particular things can you thank him for today?