“13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” Ephesians 3:13.

Here Paul finishes with this request and may we hear its meaning. Don’t be discouraged because I suffer, because I hurt, because I am imprisoned. We will suffer. We will suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned us about it. The World hated Him so of course the World will hate us. Don’t be surprised. But be found in Christ.

Jesus has a reason for our sufferings. And we will experience sufferings and hurts while we live on this fallen world. Our home is not here, but up there, with Him. And we will forever be with Him once He comes and collects us.

So, dear ones, don’t be discouraged when we hear and see suffering. Pray. Remember our Bridge, our Mediator, Jesus Christ also suffered and He is able to comfort us through it all. I read a book once called, When God Weeps, by Joni Eareckson Taba and Steve Estes. Going through a time of trial and sadness in my life, I was so comforted and encouraged reading of the suffering of Jesus and the fact that He cried. He was so sad and so heartbroken that he cried, a grown man of 33. That is how much He loves God the Father and that is how much He loves each and every single one of us.

I often apologize for my tears in front of Him, but really He understands them deeper than even I do. Let us come to Jesus more, even if we cry. His arms are open and ready and He knows how it is to suffer. Our Lord has walked the path before us, He knows the way! Let us be found walking hand in hand, arm and arm, and at times, carried by Him, our Lord and our Savior, our Hero and our Prince.