In Victory!Sample

The Sufferings of Body and Spirit

1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

During training, would you be surprised if an athlete experienced muscle soreness or even strains? Of course not. It's normal that when a muscle is heavily taxed, and subjected to pressure it's not accustomed to, it reacts painfully.

A Christian, facing trials, reacts no differently. The pressure Christ exerted on sin to liberate us has caused pain among his believers. Through his blood, Jesus offered us a plan of redemption, but like any plan, there are steps and conditions we need to take. Our transforming nature compels us to partake in the sufferings of Christ as we walk in sanctification.

Sanctification is, in other words, the process of extracting sin from within us. Now, the sin of our old nature clashes with the renewed man who aspires to his Truth. Let's understand that obeying God, and following the truth, triggers painful spiritual strains.

Certainly, muscles engulfed in soreness would never think to praise their owner. Yet, the children of God who walk in truth are capable of seeing the glory of the Father despite the pain and entering into His joy.

Brothers and sisters, let us continually sing to our God, the one who has overcome all and who makes us like Him.