- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,538
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV
Militarily speaking, a good soldier is the courageous one who expects hardship and suffering to be a part of the job. A good soldier doesn’t shrink away from suffering but instead willfully joins his brothers in arms in enduring hardship.
The apostle Paul lived in a time and place where being a Christian often meant intense suffering. Many believers in those days suffered persecution—even death—because they openly followed Jesus Christ. That is why Paul encouraged a young preacher named Timothy to “join with me in suffering.”
Here in the West, Christians don’t face much suffering for their faith. But in some parts of the world, believers often are treated just as badly as Christians were in the first century. So the question you must ask yourself: Am I willing to suffer for following Jesus?
If you can honestly answer yes, then you are more likely to stand steadfast should persecution and suffering become a part of your life of faith.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You told Your followers that trouble and hardship would come to those who follow You faithfully. I accept suffering as part of my life as a Christian and ask You to give me the strength, courage, and wisdom I need to live unshakably for You.
Militarily speaking, a good soldier is the courageous one who expects hardship and suffering to be a part of the job. A good soldier doesn’t shrink away from suffering but instead willfully joins his brothers in arms in enduring hardship.
The apostle Paul lived in a time and place where being a Christian often meant intense suffering. Many believers in those days suffered persecution—even death—because they openly followed Jesus Christ. That is why Paul encouraged a young preacher named Timothy to “join with me in suffering.”
Here in the West, Christians don’t face much suffering for their faith. But in some parts of the world, believers often are treated just as badly as Christians were in the first century. So the question you must ask yourself: Am I willing to suffer for following Jesus?
If you can honestly answer yes, then you are more likely to stand steadfast should persecution and suffering become a part of your life of faith.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You told Your followers that trouble and hardship would come to those who follow You faithfully. I accept suffering as part of my life as a Christian and ask You to give me the strength, courage, and wisdom I need to live unshakably for You.
