Text: Colossians 1 : 24

Participating in the suffering of Christ is inseparable from sharing in his glory. It is impossible to fully embrace the glory without acknowledging the shame that Jesus willingly endured. The process of preparation that Esther went through serves as a vivid illustration of how God works in our lives to present us back to Himself.

The church and Christ are intricately intertwined, forming a union that cannot be easily separated. Those who oppose the church are, in essence, opposing Christ Himself. The connection between the two is tight and interwoven. In moments of hardship, the Apostle Paul experienced suffering, such as shipwrecks and persecution by the Sanhedrin. Yet, Jesus did not remove him from those trials but instead assured him of His constant presence.

When faced with decisions in our own lives, it is crucial to consider how they serve the greater good of the people of God and the advancement of His kingdom. We are called to willingly partake in suffering for the sake of the church. It is through our own experiences of hardship that we gain a deeper understanding of God’s comfort, which we can then extend to console and support others in accordance with biblical principles.