Reflecting and Focusing

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

Christ endured great suffering for us. As a result, he can be an inspiring example for believers who face suffering and persecution. Christ was ridiculed, whipped, beaten, spit upon, and crucified. Even so, he did not give in to fatigue, discouragement, or despair.

By focusing on Christ and what he did on our behalf, we won’t become weary and give up. Trials can cause us to become discouraged and even to despair. During these difficult times, we can remember how Christ endured and be inspired. Throughout the history of the church, meditation on the suffering of Christ has helped countless martyrs and prisoners. Christ’s suffering surpassed any suffering we might face. Facing hardship and discouragement, we must not lose sight of the big picture. We are not alone; Jesus stands with us.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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