Suffer Well Christian, Suffer Well

Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2.3 - "Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Notice that Paul assumes the inevitability of suffering for the Christian. It is something to be expected. "Endure suffering as a good soldier would endure suffering," says Paul. It is a metaphor which is close to my heart and one I understand well, having endured some suffering as a Marine. We are not instructed to escape suffering, though in some circumstances when we are able and it does not hinder the work of God, it is okay to do so. However, when we are in God-ordained, inescapable suffering, we are to endure it well.

Fuel for the Journey

Reading through Isaiah 35.4 this morning. The fuel that sustains God's people in difficulty—when they experience pain and suffering—is God himself; the promise that God will come and save us. The promise!

Calvin comments: That strength of which he spoke is breathed into our hearts by God through his word, as “by faith alone we stand” (2 Corinthians 1:24) and live; and therefore he adds the promise of grace yet to come.