Morning Devotional

October  7, 2005
"A Good Race" (Part 7)     
    by Don Emmitte

Home

And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ. (Philippians 1:12-14 NLT).

Perhaps you will remember the series we did last week (see Ouch at www.GraceRestoration.org). Obviously these devotionals were born out of a personal sense of trial as well as a sense that others may profit from the words God has given me during these days of challenge.

Little did I know that so many of you would respond to them! You may remember that I asked for prayer support for a dear friend this week. Mark Mangrem’s wife, Julie, has cancer and they are facing surgery and difficult therapies on the road to recovery (please continue to pray for them). While talking with Mark, he mentioned that he now understands much better the concept of facing trials with a sense of faith. In fact, he echoed the same feeling I have had so many times over the last few years being removed from my “ivory tower” in full time church work. It is a lot harder to DO life than to merely TALK life!

There is an upside to all of this though. The more you grow in your faith in Christ the more opportunities you are going to have to suffer for Christ! I realize at first glance that statement may not produce a lot of “Amen’s”. You may not yet be excited about even more suffering. I certainly wouldn’t encourage you to seek suffering, but suffering comes as a part of a living in a fallen world. God doesn’t cause it, however God uses suffering to help you and I “finish well”. Suffering is a part of how God molds our character. Suffering causes us to trust God more. 

Faith and Logan are starting to walk on their own much more. Of course, they are not allowed to go without holding someone’s hand. They don’t always want to, but it is best for them. So, they often hear, “Hold my hand, please.” God knows that there will be times when we will face difficulties that we can only overcome by holding his hand. If you will listen, you will hear him saying, “Hold my hand, please.” Do it and see the difference it makes in your life and the lives of others.

Paul saw a present benefit to suffering. As he suffered, others saw him suffering. More than that, others saw him depending on God through the suffering. Paul realized that his suffering for Christ encouraged others to run towards Christ. Your suffering will produce the same results if you will allow others to see you clinging to Christ through the trials of life. Help expand God’s Kingdom by holding tight to Jesus through the hard times of life.