Easter Devotional | 2019 - Day 19
I Can Suffer Well
By Nate Curtis
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”Romans 8:17-18
Today is GOOD Friday. The day our Savior, Jesus Christ, was brutally beaten and flogged beyond appearance. The day He was mocked and a crown of thorns was pushed into His brow. The day He was pierced in His wrist, feet, and side. Yet, for some reason, amidst the most intense suffering recorded in human history, we call this day GOOD. Why?
Because we know that the story did not end here! It’s Friday—but Sunday is coming! The day when Jesus beat death and was raised to life, conquering sin and death forever, giving Christians a hope for the future to ‘share in His glory’ as ‘co-heirs with Christ.’
This does not mean that we will no longer suffer or face trials in our own lives. Quite the contrary. In fact, Jesus said these words to His disciples in John 15: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the one who sent Me.”
Our suffering is not a matter of if but when. And when you are in the midst of your trials, remember to consider it pure joy and remember the cross of Christ, because—for Christians—your suffering is not the end of the story. No matter what happens, you can persevere. You can stand firm. You can have hope. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. In the end, WE WIN, and because He lives, we can suffer well.
Questions for Thought
- Are you in the middle of suffering right now? How can you best use this trial to glorify God?
- Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ this Good Friday?
Daily Challenge
Read John’s account of the crucifixion in John 19:1-30. Consider the cross of Christ, His absolute love for you, and the future glory we will share with Him one day.
Author Bio
Nate Curtis
Nate is a natural fit to lead our broadcast and communications ministries because he believes media is a powerful, efficient way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the entire world. When he's not spending time with his wife, Lindsey, he's likely on the golf course or pursuing his other hobby, photography.