Scripture: Luke 9:18-27
Observation: Jesus asks His disciples if they can identify who He is. Peter is quick to say that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus tells them He must be rejected, killed, and resurrected on the third day. He then explains that all who wish to follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. Anyone ashamed of Christ will get the same from Him.
Application: This is the hardest thing for us to accept, that following Jesus, our Savior and Lord, should lead to hardship and suffering. He is All Powerful; He healed all types of ailments and raised people from the dead. He has authority over all. Why should His followers have to suffer? But we must remember what He suffered for us, and that whatever we suffer is light compared to what Jesus went through for humanity. If we follow Christ earnestly, our souls will be joyous, even if our flesh suffers.
Prayer: Father, no one likes to suffer, myself included. Yet I know this is something I must endure, because suffering strengthens my faith and dependence on You. I also know You experience no pleasure in my suffering, and that You are by my side whenever I go through trials, helping me along the way. May I rejoice in You and Your love no matter where I am or what I'm going through in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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That is a beautiful prayer...and suffering also brings to us an empathy for others so that we can bless them with a deeper understanding of their pain.
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