Delight in suffering

What a whirlwind of a week, but God never ceases to bless and strengthen this Sunday service.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all HIS energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:24-29 ESV)

Sometimes the little things trigger the big things. Yesterday evening, when I was reorganizing my refrigerator to make space for some groceries... I spilt my stew. Now it wasn't just a little spill, it was a good plop right onto the vacuumed carpet with immense collateral damage. And bam, all of the emotions of the week came out... but while I was scrubbing on my knees, I came to realize that this is where I need to be -- on my knees. I am a mess, but only on my knees in prayer will I remember that I'm a mess living with HOPE because of God's grace.

And then on this Lord's day, I was convicted with how I have been wallowing selfishly, how easy it is to just think about me, me, me when things are difficult. All arrows pointing to me. But as I take my eyes off myself, and look onto apostle Paul, I was just reminded on how he  toiled to make known Christ to all around him amidst his own suffering. We all suffer in one way or another, but what do we do while we suffer? Do we revert to self-centered, self-focused type of life? Or do we rejoice in our suffering because when we care for others while we suffer, we know that Christ is glorified and proclaimed?

It's when we're studying hours upon hours, yet still send encouragement and check up on our friend.  It's when we're having sleepless nights, yet still stay up late to listen to a friend when they're down. It's when we're being laughed at because of our faith, yet still be the first to run to their side when they're in need. It's impossible to love (especially when we suffer), but that's why we must be on our knees for God's strength and boldness. It's HIS energy and motivation we live off of, not our owns. He loved us first, and because of His love, we show to the world Him. God is our strength, God is our source of love, God is the one who works powerfully within us.