October 7, 2020

“For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” – Philippians 1:29

When you hear the word “suffering,” what words do you usually associate with it? Punishment? Darkness? Evil? Injustice? Oppression? But let me ask you this; when you think about suffering, does the word “gift” ever come to mind? In Philippians 1:29 the word translated as “granted” is actually the Greek word charis, which is most often translated in Scripture as “gift.” This word makes a lot of sense when we think about our belief in Christ as a gift. But if we look closer, we realize the passage tells us that our suffering is also a gift.

Eugene Peterson does a great job conveying the meaning of this verse in his translation, The Message: “There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.” Why is our suffering also a gift? Because it identifies us with Christ, it creates growth in us, and it teaches us about God’s faithfulness. This world is difficult, even for those of us who have been given eternity with Christ. The only way to face the suffering is to understand that it is a purposeful gift, granted by our loving Father for our good.

Heavenly Father, let us see our suffering through Your eyes. Let us begin to understand this gift for what it accomplishes in us and how it draws us closer to You.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon

“For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” – Philippians 1:29

When you hear the word “suffering,” what words do you usually associate with it? Punishment? Darkness? Evil? Injustice? Oppression? But let me ask you this; when you think about suffering, does the word “gift” ever come to mind? In Philippians 1:29 the word translated as “granted” is actually the Greek word charis, which is most often translated in Scripture as “gift.” This word makes a lot of sense when we think about our belief in Christ as a gift. But if we look closer, we realize the passage tells us that our suffering is also a gift.

Eugene Peterson does a great job conveying the meaning of this verse in his translation, The Message: “There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.” Why is our suffering also a gift? Because it identifies us with Christ, it creates growth in us, and it teaches us about God’s faithfulness. This world is difficult, even for those of us who have been given eternity with Christ. The only way to face the suffering is to understand that it is a purposeful gift, granted by our loving Father for our good.

Heavenly Father, let us see our suffering through Your eyes. Let us begin to understand this gift for what it accomplishes in us and how it draws us closer to You.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon