Sep 23.97: Light For The Day - "Christians' Sufferings"

God gives enough grace for each trial we face.
- Anon.
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Roman 8:18 (NIV):
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

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"Christians' Sufferings"

Nowhere does the Bible teach that Christians are to
be exempt from the tribulations and natural disasters
that come upon the world. It does teach that the
Christian can face tribulation, crisis, calamity, and
personal suffering with a supernatural power that is
not available to the person outside Christ. 

The early Christians were able to experience joy in
their hearts in the midst of trials, troubles, and
depression. They counted suffering for Christ not as
a burden or misfortune, but as a great honor, as
evidence that Christ counted them worthy to witness
to Him through suffering. They never forgot what
Christ Himself had gone through for their salvation;
and to suffer for His name's sake was regarded as
a gift rather than a cross. 

Christians can rejoice in tribulation because they have
eternity's values in view. When the pressures are
on, they look beyond their present predicaments to the
glories of heaven. The thought of the future life with
its prerogatives and joys helps to make the trials of
the present seem light and transient.

Prayer For The Day:
Father, help me to go beyond the afflictions and
tribulations of our age, and to look toward the
inheritance reserved for us in heaven.
Source book: "Day by Day with Billy Graham"

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Matthew 5:11,12 (NIV): "Blessed are you when people
insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds
of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be
glad, because great is your reward in heaven, ...."

1Corinthians 12:13,26 (RSV): "For by one Spirit we
were all baptized into one body - ..... If one member
suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored,
all rejoice together. "

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The hurting ones need sympathy,
They need to know we're there;
A quiet word, a tender touch
Assures them that we care.
- DJDH.
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