that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:10
To be honest, I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, but the idea of sharing in His suffering and death that is not appealing. Like most, I want the benefit without any of the negative. That was how the gospel used to be preached, all the good avoid the bad. Heaven versus hell. Good versus evil. God versus Satan. There is some truth in that, but not the whole truth.
I realized as I truly learned to surrender my life to God that attacks from the enemy are not just reserved for the gospel elites. His attacks are real. More than once I considered quitting just so the attacks would stop. I even did a few times, but I realized that I may get temporary relief but the consequences will last for eternity.
The sufferings of this world, regardless of how bad will eventually come to an end. Jesus died, but eternity is forever. Hell is forever. But in death Christ overcame the enemy. There is not God versus Satan, Satan was a created being, not God's equal. His evil is no match for God. When I die to my flesh, I also overcome. The more I crucify my flesh the less power the enemy has over me. It is in the power of the resurrection I am able to face the suffering and eventual death that will come to my flesh and this earthly body. And that gives me hope and joy.
Lord I am thankful that You use both good and bad to teach and grow us. I am thankful that even though the attacks of the enemy can be used for your glory and honor, I know in my flesh I just want the power of the resurrection that comes from knowing You. But I also can see the benefit of sharing in Your suffering and death. I am with You in all Lord because I know You will be with me in all.
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