Sufferings for the Gospel

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God…”
–2 Timothy 1:8

In his letter, Paul tells Timothy that he was not a prisoner of Rome. He was a prisoner of Jesus. So Paul wasn’t waiting on Rome—he was waiting on Jesus. And Jesus could have released him in a moment. Until he was released—from prison or from life on earth—Paul wanted to be about Jesus’ business—seizing the God-given opportunities in the midst of the suffering that Jesus had allowed. 

Today, we find ourselves in similar circumstances. We, like Paul, we are waiting on Jesus! Jesus could release us any moment. And until He does, we should be about His business. Every day—every decision—is a crossroads. We can either choose our way or God’s way. We can either walk it out our way or walk in the good works that God has prepared for us.

The suffering Jesus allows can be the Spirit’s strategy to refine us for a season for God’s glory. Our King has a certain way of doing things that doesn’t always make sense to us but is good.  When we submit to suffering rather than rail against it in angst or anxiety, we begin to see and seize the God-given opportunities in the midst of it all. 

Has anyone ever been won to Jesus through complaining? Has anyone ever been won to Jesus because of whining? No. Paul invited Timothy to share in his sufferings because Paul knew God was using his suffering to bring people to repentance. Hearts are drawn to Jesus when we willingly submit to suffering that Jesus has allowed.
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Jesus has given us grace, mercy, peace, power, love, and a sound mind so that whatever happens, we can glorify God. When we understand this and submit to Jesus and His higher purposes, suffering makes sense.
Jesus, please lead us by Your Spirit in what You want us to do. Help us  see the multitude of ways You’re giving us to minister and share Your love as we wait on You.