David Jeremiah Daily Devotionals August 9 2022 :
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.
Colossians 1:24
Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:24-29
Earlier this year, Pastor Kelom Kalyan Tete was seized in broad daylight by Hindu extremists and tied to an iron post at a busy intersection in Delhi. More than 150 people beat, taunted, and assaulted him. Schoolchildren kicked his legs, and the others punched him in his head, chest, stomach, and back. He was repeatedly slapped in the face. About noon, the binding on his hands came loose, and Pastor Tete managed to escape. He expected to die, but God preserved him for continued service.3
Pastor Tete is neither the first nor the last to receive such treatment from the world, yet we know our sufferings are never in vain. Whether caused by persecution or by the adversities of life, our hardship is seen, heard, and used by the God of Calvary.
All of our life, even our suffering, can be used by God in ways we cannot fathom. No one gets through life without hardships, but it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Esther Kerr Rusthoi.
Credit for David Jeremiah Daily Devotionals August 9 2022 / Turning Point Ministry/ davidjeremiah.org