Sharing in Christ's Sufferings

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. – Philippians 3:10

Lent is a time to focus and reflect on the sufferings of Christ. This can sometimes be difficult for us, because we would rather not think about suffering. In our world we try to avoid suffering at all cost and even pray that God would remove our sufferings.

However, Paul shows us that suffering is a part of knowing Christ. I think we would all agree with Paul that we want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, but most of us would like to skip past the part that speaks about sharing in his sufferings. Paul wants to share in Christ’s sufferings, because to know Christ is to know the sufferings he endured for us. Desiring suffering goes against every strand of our human nature, but it brings us to a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, it is difficult for me to want to share in your sufferings. I thank you for the suffering that you endured for me. Help me to share in your sufferings that I may grow closer to you. Amen.

Faith Tip: Today consider these questions: What does it look like to share in the sufferings of Christ? More specifically, what would it look like in your life to share in Christ’s sufferings?

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson