Bible Text: Philippians 1:12-20
TOPIC: JESUS, NOT SUFFERING, MATTERS
“I earnestly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20, NIV
“A blacksmith known for his strong faith took ill and was challenged by an unbeliever about why God was allowing him suffer. He responded, ‘I take a piece of iron, put it into the fire to bring it to a white heat, then I strike it once or twice to see if it will take temper. I plunge it into water to change the temperature, put it into the fire again, then I put it on the anvil and make a useful article out of it. If it will not take temper when I first strike it on the anvil, I throw it into the scrap heap and sell it for a half penny per pound.”
*The blacksmith believed God had been testing him in different circumstances and preferred to be put in fire and water rather than being thrown on the scrap heap. Just like Apostle Paul, it is not the suffering, but that Christ should be glorified, whether by life or by death.*
When we go through persecution, we should always remember that God has promised blessings on all who are persecuted for His name sake. Anytime you pass through a tough time, always remember that it is not the suffering, but Christ that matters most.
Insight: No genuine Christian can live without Christ.
Prayer: In living or in dying, let my life glorify You, O LORD.
RBT Passage: Isaiah 20-24
