Chapter 82—Sharing Christ’s Suffering
Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding
joy.
1 Peter 4:13
.
To have strength we must have exercise. To have strong faith, we must
be placed in circumstances where our faith will be exercised.... It is through
much tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom of God. Our Saviour was
tried in every possible way, and yet He triumphed in God continually. It is
our privilege to be strong in the strength of God under all circumstances and
to glory in the cross of Christ.
In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the
peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little
suffering for Christ’s sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We
must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in
triumph with Him on His throne.
Heaven is very near those who suffer for righteousness’ sake. Christ
identifies His interests with the interests of His faithful people; He suffers in
the person of His saints, and whoever touches His chosen ones touches Him.
The power that is near to deliver from physical harm or distress is also near
to save from the greater evil, making it possible for the servant of God to
maintain his integrity under all circumstances, and to triumph through divine
grace.
Persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is an evidence
that they are following in the steps of their Master.
While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He
has promised that which is far better. He has said, “As thy days, so shall
thy strength be” (
Deuteronomy 33:25
). “My grace is sufficient for thee: for
my strength is made perfect in weakness” (
2 Corinthians 12:9
). If you are
called to go through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your
side even as He was with the faithful three in Babylon. Those who love their
Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation
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