Seeing Jesus No Matter What

Text: Philippians 1:27-30

Scripture is clear that we will suffer for Christ. When we suffer in faith we testify to the greatness of Jesus!

God says that suffering is a gift to His children. And faith-filled suffering in the face of opposition is a sign to those who oppose the gospel. Paul writes in verse 28: "...and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God."  "This" points to the faith of God's people during suffering. People are genuinely amazed when a Christian goes through suffering with hope and unshakeable joy.

Faith during suffering is not only a clear sign to the unbeliever that we have something real and authentic, it is also a sign to us that our salvation is genuine. We are on the same agenda page as our Savior, who is working all things for His glory and our good.

We live during a time in our country where Biblical values are under attack like never before. We can engage in this spiritual conflict with fleshly anger or we can walk in the power of the Spirit. To be a Christian does not necessarily mean to be quiet, passive, and withdrawn. However, it does mean that we are to place love of God and our neighbor at the forefront of all we do, following the example of Jesus, who literally gave up his life for others.

Life is a spiritual battle. In battle, people get hurt and die. God has granted to us the gift of faith and suffering for a reason. We need to hear His voice every single day so we can have His perspective on our circumstances. We need to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) every morning and seek His grace for every challenge, test, and opportunity He sends our way.

It's all about Jesus,
John