Suffering

Passage – Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

Restated in my own words – We were called to endure in suffering because Christ did it for us and we are called to follow in His footsteps.

Application to my life – Suffering, I suppose no one really wants to go through that pain. In the midst of pain and pressure comes beauty. Yesterday I was in a car riding for several hours as we drove the 400 miles from Monte Rio to San Francisco to Pismo Beach. I know that my sister was getting stiff from all the driving in this traffic, but in the pain of the drive we experienced the beauty of the sunset over the rolling hills and trees. There was beauty all around us. We also got to hear stories from my Auntie about her childhood and youth growing up here in California. The suffering in the car, although it really wasn’t that bad, was worth it.

That is how Christ viewed us, as worth the cost. He suffered for me and by example I am called to suffer for others too. It isn’t all about me. It is to show love to others.

Your response back to God – Lord thank You that even in the suffering You were there. If I need to suffer for You then help me be willing and let me endure with Grace whatever comes my way.