Word for the day “Learning through suffering”

I Peter 5:10 (NKJV) But [f]may the God of all grace, who called [g]us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, [h]perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Good morning beloved leaders,

The Bible declares that it is not God’s will that you simply suffer without purpose, randomly, or to harm you but that you suffer for the purposes of doing good and spiritual development, but even more importantly, that you endure that suffering. Therefore, God does not assign to your life purposeless suffering but rather, on the contrary, leverages your suffering, giving you the grace to endure it for the purpose of serving his divine will. Your children, spouse, friends, colleagues and even unbelievers—will observe the way you handle suffering, and they’ll learn from you this aspect of God.

One of the biggest misnomers in life is that each day is supposed to be better than the last.   I’ve had to spiritually reeducate myself from this unrealistic notion in my relationship with God.  Today we hear people talking about all the goals they have for themselves, as if every plan we make will come to existence. Yet underneath all the plans we make gives the expectation that God is supposed to constantly bless us and these blessings are supposed to be greater and better than yesterday.  Indeed, not only is this idea unfair to ourselves it is also not Biblical.  

I encourage you to approach today and tomorrow differently.  I’ve learned to keep a heart and mind of gratitude even in tough times and this really has proven its value in my life.  In fact, learning to love myself has been so vital in this season of my life as well. In my Book “The journey of Self-Care from The Inside Out” teaches on developing self-love and how this is essential to pleasing God.  “Love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). 

I’ve discovered it’s one thing for God to love me, and it’s quite another thing for me to love myself. So, it’s going to be a Godly gratitude and Godly loving of myself that will propel my life through any suffering my life may encounter.

Special thanks!

 James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of October 2022, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott,  Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant,  Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson,  Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison,  Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mr. Kevin Byfield, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez,  Ms. Judy Hendrix, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Mr. William Wilson, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Rita McGuffin, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.

Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.

We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the DONATE link to give as the Lord leads.

Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!

Kingdom Blessings,