Colossians 1: 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

My first reaction to this statement by Paul the Apostle was: “what is he talking about? Surely he is not saying that Christ’s suffering was incomplete!  The more I pondered, it became clearer. Paul suffered much for the cause of Christ. He counted his trials, his imprisonments, his beatings, being shipwrecked – all of it – as being for the purpose of spreading the gospel and building up the church, the body of Christ. He was purpose-driven; he had been given an assignment. (See Acts 9, especially verses 15 and 16).

So, friend, what does your life look like? More thorns than flowers! Are you cursing your circumstances, the people in your life, your job situation? Is it conceivable that God wants to draw you closer by entrusting you with the challenges that are part of your daily living? What is your response supposed to be? “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). I know we all cringe when we read “in all circumstances” because we are so limited.  Of course you can’t do this in your own strength. Read the last three words again – “in Christ Jesus”.  Only God who knows the end from the beginning can give you the assurance that all will be well. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Roman 8:28).