Honor in Suffering

CALL TO PRAYER

By: Stephen Osei Kuffour

Date: 20.08.2023

Title: Honor in Suffering

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  (Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV)

There was a time that Apostle Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi in one of their Missionary Journeys. As they went out for Prayers, there was a certain slave girl possessed with the spirit of divination who kept following them. At some point, Apostle Paul became greatly annoyed and he cast the evil spirit out of her. The Masters of this slave girl became angry because she was bringing them Profit with her fortune-telling.

They therefore falsely accused Apostle Paul and Silas for causing trouble in the city and so they were imprisoned. At midnight as they were praising and singing to God, there was a great earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison and caused all the doors to be opened. The Jailer wanted to kill himself thinking that all the prisoners have escaped but Apostle Paul informed him that they are still there. At the end, he gave his life to Christ (Acts 16:16-34).

One may wonder why they were singing and praising God while they have been imprisoned. Those around may have even thought that they were crazy. This is because it is not normal to see people rejoicing and even praising God after been imprisoned. Even for those who are guilty of serious Offences like murder, rape, armed robbery, etc., when they receive their Judgment in Court, most of them burst into tears. How much more those who have been falsely accused of doing good?

This shows that Apostle Paul and Silas knew something that most people in the world didn’t. They had a deeper understanding in the principles of the Kingdom. They had come to understand that the Christian life is not devoid of suffering (Phil 1:29). Our Lord Jesus Christ promised all His followers that we will go through many sufferings and tribulations in this world (John 16:33). These men were therefore prepared for everything that might come their way.

We have to know that it is a great honor to be given the opportunity to suffer for the sake of the Kingdom. The Lord gives this honor to those who have been faithful so they can receive greater authority and rewards. After our Lord Jesus Christ endured suffering, He has been exalted and given a name that is above every other name (Phil 2:5-11).

Beloved in the Lord, let’s therefore count it all joy when we go through various forms of trials and experience sufferings and persecutions for the sake of the Kingdom (James 1:2-4). Since we know that trials strengthen and build a character in us, and suffering and persecutions bring honor and usher us into great spiritual Authority (Rom 5:3-5). Also, great rewards are in heaven awaiting those who successfully endure to the end.

Prayer Point:

Let’s thank God for His Word today. Let’s ask God to help all Believers to understand the honor in Suffering for the Kingdom’s sake. Let’s also ask Him to strengthen us to endure suffering to the end.

God bless you all