Glorify Him

When we think of suffering, our minds often jump to tragedy or life-altering events, but what about the suffering in everyday moments? Consider the self-control required to hold our tongues or the effort it takes to go out of our way to help someone. This type of suffering, the willingness to act for others in ways we naturally wouldn't, is where our faith in Christ truly shines. Walking with Christ daily involves more than just filling our minds with purity, praying, and staying in His word; it is fundamentally about growth. True maturity in Christ occurs when our hearts transform, allowing us to practice what we know to be true.

In 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1, the text discusses the Thessalonian church enduring persecution and suffering, yet they continue to maintain their faith and hope during these challenging times. This resilience is truly admirable, as even our toughest days pale in comparison to the hardships they faced for their commitment to Christ. Christians have historically been marginalized or viewed as outsiders to worldly norms. This distinction is what enables us to stay close to God. We cannot embrace worldly ways and simultaneously have God as our leader. I've heard a saying, "You cannot live with the devil and expect God to pay your rent." This resonates deeply with me, highlighting how often we overlook the opportunity to endure hardships for God.

Paul's writings in Colossians emphasize the importance of rejoicing during times of suffering. We have the remarkable opportunity to glorify God through what we endure for His sake, and we can find joy even in the midst of trials. While it may seem unusual to find pleasure in difficult circumstances, with God, we can always maintain hope, even in the darkest situations. As we face challenges, we are assured that God is with us, sharing in our suffering. We also understand that these trials are temporary, as life unfolds in seasons, as described in Ecclesiastes 3. (Take a moment to read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.) This concept is encouraged throughout scripture. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, stating, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Other verses, like James 1:2, also support the concept of finding joy in suffering for the Lord. (Go read James 1:2)

Paul confidently urges us to love others even amidst our suffering and hardships. In today's world, distinguishing between good and evil is becoming increasingly challenging. The line between what is good and what is of God is blurred, and many falsehoods are being accepted as truth. Social media, television, and other conveniences intended to simplify our lives are also corrupting our minds with everyday sins, falsely labeled as love. While God does love us, not everyone is embraced by His love. If you walk in sin, God does not recognize you; therefore, He does not love you, as He is unaware with who you are. This is supported in Matthew 7:21. Although we all sin, knowing God will be evident in your lifestyle and how you conduct yourself. The world is growing more corrupt, widening the gap between Christians and others. We are now facing issues that our ancestors could never have imagined we would be debating.

Your beliefs reflect your understanding of the Lord. God uses our hardships and suffering to bring us closer to Him. Through times of separation and persecution, He strengthens our faith and purifies our hearts and minds. We are meant to love the world while being set apart from it. We are called to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and more. I view this as suffering for God, and when we adopt a kingdom mindset instead of a worldly perspective focused on immediacy, we are transformed by the knowledge that God receives all the glory. I explain it like this: every time we make an effort to connect with someone, even when it's difficult, we are gathering jewels to present to God on judgment day. When we love those who hurt us, we earn crowns to lay at His feet. A kingdom mindset focuses on what will happen when Jesus returns, motivating us to glorify Him now. Often, we can't see the big picture or look beyond the present, but if we entrust our problems to God and concentrate on glorifying Him now and in the future, He will guide our paths. As Christians, let's unite in love and truth, finding joy even in challenging times. Let's focus on God's Kingdom and actively honor Him in all we do.

Wrote By Hannah Austin

5/30/25 @11:48am