Have you ever wondered what the Apostle Paul meant when he said he wanted to know “the fellowship of His sufferings?” (Philippians 3:10) Most likely, we think about the persecution Jesus suffered...and we might indeed suffer as Jesus did as He told the truth about sin and righteousness...as we are to do (John 15:20) But there's much more to Paul's prayer than just persecution. Actually, it has to do with something more intense, more troubling, more difficult than just persecution. It has to do with Paul's previous statement, “I have suffered the loss of all things.” (Philippians 3:8)

To fellowship with Jesus in suffering means that we put aside our personal wants, desires, goals, purposes, selfishness and follow Christ. We will have to change how we look at our lives with all our expectations, our claimed entitlements, our independence. We need to be reminded of at least two Truth Matters:

1. You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” (James 4:14-15) The point is, our “expectations,” our independent purposes and desires are really insignificant in comparison to eternity. The song reminds us “Only one life will soon be passed, Only what's done for Christ will last.” That, my friend, is what fellowship with Jesus Christ's suffering is.

2. Fellowship with our Lord's suffering will demand our full commitment to God's word...obedience. No matter if we can or cannot see positive outcomes, we commit our lives to Him. This commitment will cause us to suffer the loss of all we once held dear and turn our lives over to God. Vulnerability is part of the “suffering.” It's what Jesus was agonizing with when He “fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

Indeed, we are called to suffer in fellowship with Christ. “Suffering the loss of ALL things” is what intimidates us...makes us feel vulnerable. We say, “If I give up my desires and expectations, where will my joy come from?” God tells us this: 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory (1 Peter 1:7-8)

My prayer for me and you this day is this...Lord, keep our priorities straight. Help us to see our lives through the lens of eternity. Help us to learn the continuing lessons of faith as we become more conformed to our Lord Jesus. We'll obey what You show us in Your word. We trust You with the outcomes. Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.