SELF-INFLICTED

"Again, I say rejoice!"

Suffering for Christ is likely the most misunderstood Joy of the regenerated Life. It is also a precious discipline, reserved for those who have sought to follow more closely in the footsteps of the LORD. Oh, for wisdom and revelation to see the difference between suffering for His name's sake, and simply living frustrated, as God keeps calling us to the walk of holiness that IS the Christian life. Many believers, in their quest for earthly accomplishments, struggle against God, thinking they're suffering for Him.

There is a closeness that cannot be explained, nor replicated, known to the broken soul who suffers, knowing that Christ is looking on and sharing Grace that brings the Reward into focus. So much so that the disciple comes to relish the suffering, in anticipation of the fellowship, that cannot be known otherwise.

The enemy of our souls, however, has a powerfully effective and unusually cruel counterfeit. Suffering my own misgivings, but in His Name! My bemoaning failures, or repercussions of my own self-seeking, and then blaming Him! This not only fosters deep discontent, but it portrays a poor image of walking in the Spirit.

The sufferings of Christ produce a mysterious fellowship. It cannot be faked, and it always has purpose. When the fellowship of His suffering is experienced in humble submission, the unexplainable Joy that is produced astounds those looking on; Joy that curiously draws attention to our LORD. Self-suffering, however, attracts either pity or disregard.

Fellow sojourner, suffering is a valued asset in this journey! Seek the closeness to the Master that creates joyful endurance. Rejoice in the enemy's futile attempts to thwart your work! Rejoice in your Father's perfect discipline to conform you into the image of His Son! Rejoice in the LORD always! Again, I say rejoice!

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That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

~Philippians 3:10 KJV

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

~1 Peter 4:14-15 KJV

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

~Philippians 4:4 KJV