UNVEILING FOR THE GLORY (4)

“For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15 NKJV).

As the suffering of Christ caused the rejoicing of the world, especially those who have by faith in Him have become children of God, so our suffering with Christ and for Him generates joyful praise among those who are being saved by our ministries. There is a redemptive purpose in the godly suffering because they are like sacrifices of good smelling savour to God as sinners hear the gospel and turn to Christ through our sacrifices. While we don’t go around looking for suffering, we don’t shy away from it when it becomes necessary to proof our commitment to Christ.  The more people that are saved through our labours, the more thanksgiving is going up to God and that brings Him much glory. Therefore, Peter encouraged:

¹⁴If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. ¹⁵But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:14-16 NKJV)

Suffering ridicule and insults, or any other form of persecution because you are a christian attracts upon you “the Spirit of glory and of God.”  Hence, afflictions work in us the eternal weight of glory. “Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:11 NLT). Therefore, Paul enjoins us to glorify God –give thankful praise in the midst of our suffering for Him. In this way, we unveil His glory for the world to see. 

The mystery of thanksgiving lies in its ability to take what the enemy designed for our harm and places it in the hand of our Father who makes all things to work for our benefit unto His glory. The experience of Paul and Silas in the Philippians dungeon attests to this truth. Paul commanded a demon of divination out of a girl and the mob was aroused against them. The two ministers ended up in jail where they released the glory of God through thankful praise.

²⁵But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. ²⁷And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. ²⁸But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”²⁹Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-30 NKJV)

Because Paul and Silas had the right christian attitude toward suffering, God released the Spirit of glory upon them, which not only freed them supernaturally but also led to the salvation of the keeper of the prison. Thanksgiving in the midst of trails unveils the glory of God. On the other hand, complaining and murmuring when one is met with difficulties, hardship and suffering, veil the glory of God. Thanksgiving in face of suffering is a strong testimony of faith in God.  Peter and the rest of the early Apostles , after being beaten and ordered never to preach in the name of Christ again went out of the court  “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).  No wonder they experienced so much of God’s glory.

This will be our testimony this year. You must live your faith in the full glare of the public ready to be ridiculed and laughed at if and when necessary. People around you must hear about Jesus from your mouth and see His glory in your life cost what it may. There is no other way to live in the year of glory to Glory!