The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Saturday, August 31, 2024
A CALL TO SUFFERING
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”
Phil 1:29
Main Text: Main Text: 1 Peter 2:21
We weren’t called just to believe in Christ Jesus but also to suffer for His sake. Every believer is called to a life of suffering. Christianity reached Africa because certain people endured hardships, leaving their comfort zones to witness to us. However, in today’s world, many of us are half-hearted believers—we embrace the blessings of Christ but shy away from suffering for the sake of the gospel. Yet, it has been granted to us, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His sake.
When we suffer for Christ, we develop attributes like power, authority, and glory. Suffering for Christ allows the power of God to be manifest in our lives. Anyone unwilling to endure suffering for Christ is not truly fit to be a believer. As 1 Peter 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” Jesus Christ suffered for us, setting an example for us to follow. Discard the false teaching that Christ’s suffering means we no longer need to endure any suffering.
Jesus said that if anyone is to be His disciple, they must carry their cross daily (Luke 9:23). To fulfill the Great Commission, we must be prepared to suffer, lose, die, and deny ourselves for the advancement of the gospel. This is the call for every believer, and it is a high calling.
Confession:
I acknowledge and embrace the abundant blessings that God has poured into my life. I am grateful for His favor, provision, and grace that sustain me and enrich my journey. I choose to exhibit the blessing of the Lord by willingly embracing suffering, loss, and self-denial for the sake of the gospel. My sacrifices are a testament to my commitment to Christ and His mission. I understand that these sacrifices are not in vain but serve to advance the Kingdom of God and bring glory to His Name.
Further Reading:
2 Timothy 2:3 "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Read through the bible in 1 year: Job 37:1-39:30 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10 Psalm 44:9-26 Proverbs 22:13
Read through the bible in 2 years: 2 Chr 7 & Ps 57
