Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Hebrews 5:5-10
by: Linda Harris.
When we face suffering, our natural impulse is to fight it-to get out of the suffering as fast as possible. Philippians 3:10 says, "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" (NIV). We eagerly seek the first two: knowing Christ and his power. But we don't want to share in his sufferings. However, in the Christian life, suffering has a purpose. It makes us more like Christ, and it teaches us obedience. The next time you face a trial, instead of fighting, ask God to show you what he wants you to learn from it.