Daily Devotion: Complete in Christ Week Six, Day One

Read: 

Colossians 1:24  1 Peter 4:12–14

A Faithful Servant Doesn't Waste His Suffering

Paul wrote these words from a place of suffering: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you."

That sounds strange to us. We normally try to avoid suffering. When something becomes difficult, frustrating, or painful, our first thought is often, "How can I get out of this?"

But Paul saw suffering differently.

He understood that God could use his suffering to advance the Gospel and strengthen the church. His suffering had a purpose beyond himself.

Most of us will probably never experience the kind of suffering Paul experienced. But serving Christ can still be difficult.

Sometimes the sacrifice is your time. Sometimes it is frustration. Sometimes you work hard to prepare something and few people show up. Sometimes you serve when you are tired. Sometimes you give financially when resources are tight. Sometimes you face resistance from others.

The temptation is to become bitter.

Paul teaches us to look beyond the frustration and see the bigger picture: the Gospel is advancing and the church is being built up.

Your service may cost you something, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth it.

Reflect

What is something about serving Christ that has recently frustrated, discouraged, or exhausted you?

How might God be using that situation for His purposes?

Pray

Lord, help me not to become bitter when serving You becomes difficult. Give me Paul's perspective. Help me see beyond my frustration and remember that my service can be used to advance the Gospel and build up Your church. Teach me to rejoice even when serving You costs me something. Amen.