Called To Suffer

Called To Suffer

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. –1 Peter 2:21, 23

Wanted: Disciples who are willing to leave everything familiar to follow Jesus. Carrying a cross is required. Following may result in death.

Who would answer a call like that? We have, if we call ourselves Christians. But most of us really only wanted to sign up for Christianity lite. We wanted the version in which we go to church and maybe teach Sunday school, the kind of Christianity that helps us to clean up our act and be nice, and in return we get a sense of respectability now and heaven when we die. We didn’t really hear God calling us to suffer for his sake. And if we had, we certainly would not have answered.

Maybe you came to Christ because someone told you that “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” It was true then and it is still true. But if you’ve never made the transition from a life focused on pleasing yourself to a life of obedience focused on pleasing God, then you will forsake faith at the first sign of adversity. We often hear people talk about the “victorious Christian life.” But isn’t the life of a Christian really more about bending the knee, humbling ourselves, and taking up a cross? Jesus said it is. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

I don’t know what the cross will look like for you. I just know it will require a death to your earthly desires and earthbound dreams to carry it. And I know it won’t be easy. But I also know that as you die to yourself, God’s life will take root and grow within you. And as you die to your dreams, his dreams can flourish. He will give you new desires and then fulfill them completely.

God calls us to bow the knee, whether or not we have it figured out, whether or not we agree. Jesus shows us how to do that. Follow in his steps. He shows us how to suffer without becoming resentful or revengeful. He shows us how to entrust our reputation and vindication to God, how to leave our very lives in the hands of God. This is what God calls you to. Will you follow?

My Example in suffering, I want to follow close behind you, learning from your purity, your forgiveness, your submission. Following in your footsteps, I place my life in your hands, trusting in your wisdom and love.

DIGGING DEEPER