Going into Labor with God’s Work (Santosh Poonen)

Paul suffered hardship and was endured all things for the sake of God’s chosen people (II Timothy 2:9-10). Paul had this attitude because he sought nothing for himself, having already counted all things as loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7). To suffer so that others would benefit was the spirit in which Christ came to earth. To suffer so that others will benefit is the spirit in Christ’s Body today. Church membership is a relationship of care — sharing in the suffering of other members, and rejoicing in the honor of other members (II Corinthians 12:25-26). Suffering is the means by which the children of God claim their inheritance of Christ’s glory (Romans 8:17). When your suffering is not contaminated with murmuring or complaining, it becomes a drink offering that God pours out on the lives of others (I Peter 4:12-13; Philippians 2:17-18; II Timothy 4:6-7). “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be if the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.” ~C.T. Studd