Joseph, in Egypt, and Daniel, in Babylon, both revealed their character to their pagan masters. Their difficulties caused the presence of God to be manifested through them. In the New Testament, no one endured more difficulties over a longer time than the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 11:23-29). He described his difficulties as being “hard-pressed,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “struck down.” But never “crushed,” “in despair,” “forsaken,” or “destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). He called his troubles “the dying of the Lord Jesus” so that “the life of Jesus also may be manifested in [his] body” (verse 10). His troubles revealed the “treasure” of Christ within (verse 7).
Troubles in life are normal (Job 5:7). Our response will manifest Christ to the world—or not.
To become Christlike is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for. Henry Drummond |
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