Suffer Well

Galatians 1:1–5 (ESV)

1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Examine / Explain

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia and starts by stating his authority for the things he is about to say. Then he reminds them of the Gospel. Grace through the salvation of Jesus according to the will of the Father.

What’s the application?

Paul had a calling. He was reaching Gentiles and Jews. He was an apostle called directly by Jesus on the road to Damascus. I feel like today we struggle to find a purpose or a cause to fight for. We wander around striving to feel important. We want to know that we matter to someone. God has instilled in us this need. However, it is supposed to be directed to God through our life in Jesus. Our purpose in life is to know God. Be known by Him. Love others while being conformed to the image of righteousness that has been placed upon us. We get lost in our assignments, purpose, calling, and being called. We are called by the Holy Spirit to Christ. Our calling is an overarching desire in us to help certain people. Our assignments happen at different times in our lives while fulfilling our calling. All of this is our purpose, which is to glorify God and advance His kingdom. We are to make disciples of all nations and people. We are to be identified as Christ’s followers by these actions. How am I known by others? Especially outside of my inner circle. Do others see Christ in me? Do I see Christ in me? I struggle with self-image. Do I love who I am? Do I love who God has made me? Maybe I have a difficult time doing my assignments because of the unworthiness I feel about myself.

What’s my response?

Dad, I believe lies about myself. I struggle with struggling. I have unreal expectations of what I should be as a believer. I must believe the truth. I am a son of the Father. I have value and worth in His eyes. I am capable of more than I think I am. I have a calling to help men find freedom. I am to be curious and hold the tension of sinner and saint for those around me. But if the enemy can distract me and keep me isolated what effect do I have? How do I complete this assignment in this season? How do I get to my next assignment if I am stuck on a single problem? I’m to rest in Him. I need to quit fighting on my own and sit still and listen to the still small voice speaking to me. He already has answers to every question. He has a solution for every problem. And more importantly, He is always with me even when I don’t get the answer I want or don’t get out of a problem. Our lives in Christ don’t mean there is no pain. We are going to have to go through hard things. Our task in every assignment is to “Suffer well.” Amen.