As the Day Ends For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29 As the day ends, Philippians 1:29 reminds us that faith in Christ is not only a gift of belief, but also a calling into fellowshipContinue reading “The Cross We Choose at Day’s End”
Tag Archives: Christian suffering
Faith That Finds Its Voice
The Bible in a Year I believed, therefore have I spoken; I was greatly afflicted. Psalm 116:10 Psalm 116:10 gives us a simple but searching pattern for the life of faith: belief, behavior, and battle. The psalmist does not begin with public speech, religious activity, or spiritual confidence in himself. He begins with faith: “IContinue reading “Faith That Finds Its Voice”
When Suffering Becomes the Road to Glory
As the Day Ends “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:16–17 As the day draws to a closeContinue reading “When Suffering Becomes the Road to Glory”
Held in the Hands of Time
As the Day Ends “Suffering is a compulsory part of human existence. The difference for believers is that suffering need never be in vain.” As we close this day, those words settle gently over the soul. Ecclesiastes speaks with refreshing honesty about life under the sun. “Who can straighten what He has made crooked?” (Eccles.Continue reading “Held in the Hands of Time”
Learning Obedience the Hard Way
A Day in the Life “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:8–9 When I sit with Hebrews 5:8–9, I am always struck by how unsettling—and yet how steadying—these wordsContinue reading “Learning Obedience the Hard Way”
When Ministry Hurts and God Sustains
Thru the Bible in a Year There is something deeply human and deeply hopeful about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church. If 1 Corinthians feels like a pastoral correction, 2 Corinthians reads like a pastor’s heart being opened. This epistle is marked by tenderness, sorrow, defense, humility, and unwavering trust in God through someContinue reading “When Ministry Hurts and God Sustains”
A Purpose for Pain
Afternoon Moment There is something sacred about the afternoon pause. By this time of day, the world has already placed its hands upon us—work has demanded attention, decisions have been made, distractions have multiplied, and fatigue has begun to settle in around the edges. It is often in the stillness of an afternoon break thatContinue reading “A Purpose for Pain”
When You Entrust Yourself to the One Who Judges Justly
As the Day Ends 1 Peter 2:23 reads, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” As the quiet of evening settles around us, this verse invites us to lay down the tensions, conflicts, misunderstandings, andContinue reading “When You Entrust Yourself to the One Who Judges Justly”
When Suffering Meets the Light of Christ
In John 9, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth, challenging the idea that suffering is a punishment. He demonstrates that suffering can reveal God’s glory rather than elicit blame. Different responses to Jesus highlight varied human reactions. Ultimately, Jesus transforms suffering into testimony and encourages believers to live in His light.
Ashes and Hope
On July 10, 1660, Anne Bradstreet’s home was destroyed by fire, leading her to reflect on loss in her poem, “Upon the Burning of Our House.” Through her experience and Biblical references, she conveys the importance of eternal treasures over earthly possessions. Loss can refine faith, emphasizing reliance on God’s unchanging promises.