And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ. Philippians 1:12-14 NLT
The more you grow in your faith in Christ the more opportunities you are going to have to suffer for Christ!
I realize at first glance that statement may not produce a lot of “Amens”. You may not yet be excited about even more suffering. I certainly wouldn’t encourage you to seek suffering, but suffering comes as a part of a living in a fallen world. God uses suffering to help you and I “finish well”. Suffering is a large part of how God molds our character. Suffering causes us to trust God more, so as we mature in our faith we will face more suffering.
Paul saw a present benefit to suffering. As he suffered, others saw him suffering. More than that, others saw him depending on God through the suffering. Paul realized that his suffering for Christ encouraged others to run towards Christ.
Your suffering will produce the same results if you will allow others to see you clinging to Christ through the trials of life. Help expand God’s Kingdom by holding tight to Jesus through the hard times of life.
Interested in getting
Mustard Seed Thoughts in your email box?
Enter your email below to add or update your subscriptions to
Mustard Seed Thoughts.
Ron is on Twitter. Find him at
http://twitter.com/ronedmondson
Tell your friends about this ministry. Why not forward a copy of the email to those you think might benefit from reading a Mustard Seed? Some churches use it as a supplement to their discipleship program. Perhaps your church would be interested in doing this. All I ask is that credit be given to the ministry. If you need help or have questions, please email me at
ron.mustardseed@Christweb.com