“If we endure hardship in His name, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us” (2 Timothy 2:12)
There are many blessings that belong to those who endure hardship while carrying out the work of Jesus Christ. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:11). Some of those blessings are for now and others are for later. The grace and joy that are yours in the Holy Spirit are an important part of your present blessings. As wonderful and precious as these blessings are, the future blessings are quite astonishing.
So, as you press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, brace yourself to suffer affliction from those who oppose Christ. Affliction is a very real part of every believer’s journey here on earth. Affliction includes anything that brings difficulty, tribulation, persecution, or trouble because of your love for Jesus Christ.
The Bible tells us that the early believers celebrated when they were persecuted for their faith. That response is possible because there is an amazing grace that God gives you when you walk through affliction of any kind.
It is a grace that provides you with an inner joy even during the hardest of times. This joy is produced by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who puts within you everything you need to endure. The apostle Paul say best in 1 Thessalonians 1:6: “And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit:
Beloved, as you continue to faithfully serve, irrespective of your circumstance, the One who reigns over all, you will one day join Him and reign with Him when He returns to establish His kingdom here on earth. Think of it, you will actually reign with the One who now reigns over you.
What a glorious future is ahead of you. No wonder the Bible declares, “What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later” (Romans 8:18).
Related articles
- The Holy Spirit (God’s reprover) that deals with the negative side of life (ptl2010.com)
- Romans 15-16 (mybiblereadingplan.wordpress.com)
Let's Talk Gospel 
Good morning Noel….thank you for this very timely message….have a great day!
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Thank you very much Minister Glenda. I really appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.To God be the glory. I know you are enduring your own struggle right now, but I am hopeful that God will send you a miracle soon. One song writer says: He may not come when you want Him, but He is always on time”
Stay strong and stay positive. God bless.
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Amen, my new friend! ‘Our momentary light afflictions, produce an eternal weight of glory’! 😀
The question remains only whether or not my suffering is for God – which quite honestly, it often isn’t.
~ Debbie
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Thanks Debbie! You are exactly right. Most of our struggles and afflictions are not for Christ. But if we were living in China or Iran for that matter, we could face persecution for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thanks a lot for your input. God bless.
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Great reminder of the upward call of Christ. Thanks for this post!
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Thanks a million for your encouragement, writinggomer. We may not suffer persecution for Christ at this present time but you can never tell what tomorrow will bring. However, if we ever got to that point, the Scripture reminds us to endure because our reward will be astonishingly great.
Thanks a lot for stopping by and leaving a comment. God bless.
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Amen! Surely if the perfect Christ had to suffer ridicule, we could handle a little lip. Great Post, Noel!
God Bless You!
Dei
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Thanks Lady D. A wise man once said: “If you loved Him, you should be willing to suffer for Him.
Thanks for stopping by, Lady D. God bless
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What an encouraging word! Suffering from a chronically painful and debilitating syndrome, RSD is not easy! But I praise God, that I am able to endure the pain and suffering, because of the joy that I experience in the Holy Ghost! I praise God for the peace that passeth all understanding! God bless you! I’m encouraged to walk with Jesus, yes I am!
Paulette
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イェーガー
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