Today I was reading through Colossians. I have been doing an
inductive Bible study on it the past several weeks so I have read through it
countless times. I have already learned a lot, BUT today something new jumped
out at me.
“Now
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake…” Col 1:24
WHAT IN THE HECK?!?! Paul, the author, is CRAZY! He is rejoicing in OUR sufferings. REALLY?!?!
I have to admit, I don’t think like this at all. I get frustrated when the Lord
wakes me up early to pray for someone. I’m still in my comfortable bed, with
electricity, food waiting for me in the refrigerator, etc; all the Lord is
asking me to do is pray/ intercede/ fight for someone while I’m still in all my
comfort!! I get upset when bad things happen to me; I don’t understand them and I want everything to be better as soon as possible.
And then there is Paul. As he write this letter, he is in
prison for being a Christian. He is suffering so that others can be free… and
he is rejoicing for being in PRISON! He has made a sacrifice, laid his life on the line, and is waiting for the Lord to use Him again.
If only we could all be more like Paul! I’m not saying we have to go out and do something RADICAL today (like get thrown in prison), but we can choice to look at each situation through God’s eyes. We can choice to rejoice in the hard times, knowing God has a bigger and better plan!
