Today I will accept my responsibility to “suffer” for the sake of the Gospel (and to learn what that means and entails) and for the power to proclaim and live the Gospel in the manner Christ has fashioned me for. I know this will be difficult.
One example of suffering is the analogy Chambers uses with poured out wine. Poured out wine is what we become when God crushes our independence—like grapes being crushed—to make us a benefit to others. Being crushed is not pleasant. He talks about using “someone whom we dislike, or some set of circumstances to which we said we would never submit, and makes those the crushers.” He also adds, “If ever we are going to be made into wine, we will have to be crushed; you cannot drink grapes.” (Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, September 30)
And so, we may end on this note:
“We can ask God for wisdom when it comes to helping people. We can ask for God’s resources when it’s unclear how the need will be met. And we can ask for the love of Christ to be vividly expressed to those who have no one to care for them.”
NIV Quest Bible Study Notes on Colossians 1:24
Colossians 1:24
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you
KJ21
Today I will accept suffering in my walk to God’s altar.
First posted December 1, 2023
