Advent Devo Day 17

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

“Who Wants to Suffer?’

Daniel Copeland

Hebrews 2:10-11

Let us be honest. As brothers and sisters in Christ, suffering is not big on our list of tasks to complete. Sure, we don’t mind taking the time to pray, help a neighbor, or perhaps even teach a Sunday school class. But “suffering….” The scary part is that Jesus tells us throughout the Bible that we can plan on suffering. The Old Testament lists the word “suffer” in some form 62 times and the New Testament 88 times.

The truth is, all of humanity either has suffered, is suffering, or will suffer. Struggle and conflict are part of being human, because of our sin. Considering that we will suffer, how do we cope?

1. Remember we have a God (Jesus Christ) who has suffered just like us. Hebrews 2:10-11 says that

Jesus “suffered death” so that by God’s grace He could taste death for us. You’re not alone. It’s nice to

know we have a God who knows what it is like to die and suffer.

2. Take Jesus’s outlook on suffering. Hebrews 12:2 says, “for the joy set before Him, He endured the

cross….” Jesus understood it was necessary to suffer to abolish our sin. The “joy” set before Him was

God’s redemptive plan for us. We can remember that our reward for remaining faithful by far

outweighs any suffering we do here.

3. Don’t be shocked when you do suffer. Unpleasant events are not as unpleasant if we have

foreknowledge. If you know a big report is due, it is easier to endure than if you are surprised by it. I

Peter 4:12

Prayer: God, please help us to remember when we suffer, all is still under Your control. Comfort us in the thought that You have suffered with us. Amen.