Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
I have to confess that I haven’t reached the stage in my spiritual journey where I rejoice during hard times. So, I imagined yesterday; God said, “Enough crying and feeling down.” While searching for a specific scripture in Luke 4, I decided to study the entire chapter. As I read the events that led to Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth, I couldn’t get past verses 28, 29, and 30.
When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:28-30
I read these three Scriptures repeatedly, attempting to process and visualize an angry mob planning to push Jesus over a cliff. Why? Because He told the truth!
Yes, I understood the lesson that God was teaching to me, but I still have been wrapped up in my emotions during this challenging trial that I am going through. I can honestly say that “God is love, and full of grace and mercy.” Today, every hour, I have been praying. Immediately after I finished my 5 pm prayer, the words, “If you suffer, you will reign with him,” came into my mind. Since I had no prior knowledge of these words, I did an internet search out of curiosity.
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us…” 2 Timothy 2:12
The Apostle Paul wrote the First and Second letters of Timothy to encourage the young believer to endure and persevere all trials because he would receive a great reward.
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. So I am willing to endure anything if it brings salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:3, 10-13
Enduring hardships is part of the believer’s journey. If we desire eternal life, then we must embrace hard times. Jesus suffered, bled, died, and was resurrected for the redemption of our sins. Let us prepare to reign with him forever and ever. Amen.
Bible Study: 2 Timothy 2
God, we thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach us the purpose for suffering. We pray for strength and a change in attitude while we endure the hardships of life. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.
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