IMPLICATIONS:
I asked myself what are the implications for my own life?
I learned the purpose of today's verses was for me to know the importance of believing in Christ and being willing to suffer for Him.

I can say that I believe Jesus can do this and that and even proclaim it but when suffering comes and it is my turn to allow Jesus to carry me through, will my belief be genuine?

Believing in someone means following what is told because there is an issue of trust involved. This issue of trust is not based on things going my way. Bringing the issue back to believing on Jesus, it means even when the circumstances look slim and my future look dim, I need to trust in Him. That is true belief.

Paul's suffering was being in jail while this circumstance has always been our jail but we never have seen release from this circumstance. I need to trust in the Lord by my actions and make choices and conduct myself in a way that glorifies Christ and not brings shame to Him by my actions. Sorry Jesus! Help me! My belief should be in Jesus' help no matter how many years have gone by, etc rather than taking matters into my own hands. Help me Jesus in suffering.

That’s the kind of belief Paul wants the Philippians to hold on to no matter what they are going through. It is having faith in the One who loves them and died for them to redeem them when they turn to Jesus! I want to have that kind of faith in Jesus. Help me Jesus.

To suffer for Jesus means for me to pick up my cross and follow Him.  For that to happen I need to deny myself first. Denying myself and picking up the cross is not easy as I have shared. It involves suffering but if I am to follow Jesus that is what Jesus asks. It does not matter whether the suffering is my fault or the fault of others. The fact still remains that suffering exists and I should use that for God's honor and glory instead of bringing shame, remembering what Jesus did for me because the Good News is that I don't have to handle suffering on my own. Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross of Calvary to ransom me from the power of sin and death so Jesus understands all about suffering. His suffering is what freed me and gives me new life now and forever more. Thank you Jesus. Jesus suffered so I don't have to suffer at the hands of Satan forever. Jesus handled suffering with the love He has for me. Jesus was thinking about me when He suffered so I can forever be saved. Just as Paul counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ as Christ counted it a privilege to suffer for the sake of humanity, I need to count it a privilege to suffer for Christ and handle suffering with faith and belief in Christ to get me through. I praise the Lord. Thank you Jesus. You too can handle suffering with the help of Christ as He has shown me. I need not take matters into my own hands for the Lord will vindicate in His timing.

I ask you now dear friend, how do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?
Dear friend, I urge you when you are suffering not to be preoccupied with your suffering that you overlook focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ. I know it is really hard when we suffer to focus our minds on the Lord at times but only through Christ can we endure and face life. I wish I had continued to walk in the Spirit instead of giving into the flesh in this bad circumstance. I have been through a lot of rough roads. It has not been easy but I have seen the Lord work even through my suffering. Thank you Jesus. I have also faltered many times going to the bed for my relief of suffering trying to sleep my problems away but the Lord Jesus has never abandoned me but convicts me with His love. Thank you Jesus. Help me Jesus!

Paul was not self-absorbed in his misery of suffering but had a different attitude. His attitude is what helped advance the gospel and encourage others to courageously and fearlessly spread the Word. The key to Paul's attitude was His focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. We do not think that our suffering can do good for other people but with Christ on our side, it can if it is not selfish based. Thank you Jesus!

For you it maybe something different but whatever we choose to take place of the Lord, it will falter and give us more pain. There are things we do or say that may just take seconds but the pain could last hours too when instead we should find our rest in the Lord and let Him carry us through.

If we allow our attitude to be focused on Christ, our suffering can help us and other people's lives. If we look at it this way, our suffering would not be for nothing. Something good can come out of it.

In conclusion as I finished chapter 1 of Philippians, Paul left a testimony by his attitude and the gospel was advanced. It also helped others to spread the word of God outside the prison system too. Paul was suffering because of the sin of others and not his own. Paul could have been mad with God because he was doing all this for God and God allowed him to suffer. Yet, we see Paul joyful, having a desire to continuously spread the Gospel, and focused on Christ.

You may feel like no one understands the suffering you are going through. But Jesus understands and suffers with you. Even if things may not look bright for you right now, I do believe the Lord has a plan for you through your suffering. Even if the suffering is a result of our own actions, I do believe that God can give us the grace and strength to endure. Please do not dwell on your suffering but look to the cross.  Jesus suffered because of the sin of the world and yet through His suffering we have all found grace when we have looked to Him. Jesus will be there for you to carry you through! Friend, wait upon Him.

"Savior Understands Forever Feeling Every Roughness, Intercedes Now Graciously!" (S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G)/"How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?"

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, we know that majority of the suffering we face can be our fault or may not be our fault. Suffering comes because we live in a world filled with sin. Please Lord we ask for your forgiveness when we blame you for the suffering we face. We thank you so much that you love us and suffered for our sake. You became our suffering servant that your grace can be imparted in our lives as we seek thee with our whole heart. Lord, it is not easy when we face suffering. We ask thee for your deliverance. We know that you can deliver us from anything. We also realize that many times you give us the strength to endure. When the suffering is our fault, when we ask you for forgiveness, we thank you that you forgive us. Thank you Lord even if we have to face the consequences for our actions, you love us so much that you will take care of us when we turn to thee. We also thank thee there are many times you in your grace allow us to escape the consequences when we are truly repentant of our actions. You set us free from the bondage we face. Help us to be an example to others even in our suffering. It won't be easy and we need your help. Help us to suffer for you faithfully as Paul did when the time comes. Thanks Lord. And Lord, please help those who are suffering to experience your love and comfort. For only your healing touch in their lives can bring them through the pain they are facing. Thank you so much Lord. Thanks also for hearing us and answering us! In Your Name We Pray Jesus! Amen!