Health and Wealth? Suffering?

Good morning, friends! It has been a while.

We have been uploading the Lenten Devotional as the Verse of the Day during Lent. I have missed being with you.

Today, instead of getting only a verse or two for the day, you are going to get many verses to reflect on. They all share a common theme: suffering.

It is much easier to preach health and wealth. It is much easier to preach about how things will all work out for us when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Only one problem: that’s not what the Bible teaches. Here are some verses to reflect on:

• Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds – James 1:2
• To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his ways – 1 Peter 2:21
• Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. but rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed – 1 Peter 4:12-13
• In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted – 2 Timothy 3:12
• For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him – Philippians 1:29
• If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first – John 15:19

Recognize a common theme regarding Christian suffering?

Suffering is not the totality of the Christian experience. However, for the Christian, suffering is not the exception but a part of following Jesus in a fallen world. There are many good days for the Christian here on planet earth, but there will also be suffering. Any teaching that claims that God wants all Christians to be healthy and wealthy is just flat out heresy. It is false teaching.

Our God promises to be with us through our highs and lows. Remember, this is not our home. We will receive glory. There will be a day when there is no more suffering. But, until Christ comes again, we are soldiers in Christ’s army for his kingdom cause.

Have a great day, soldiers!