“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.”
1 Peter 2:21
The Greek word for church is “ekklesia”, which literally means “those who have been called.” What makes us God’s people is not a decision we have made, but the choice of God. He has called us to himself and he has a purpose for us. In fact, God’s plan for other people runs through our lives and he intends to use us to bless others. This is why Christians have confidence, since they know that their lives have meaning and purpose, even if that purpose is not fully clear yet.
But in order to fulfill God’s plan for our lives, we will encounter opposition, misunderstanding and pain: suffering is an essential part of the disciple’s journey, and if we try to avoid pain, chances are we will shrink away from God’s will for our lives. That is why Peter points us to Christ as our example: his suffering had meaning and brought life. So will ours!
Ask yourself this question today: Where am I avoiding pain?
This reflection by Martin Steinbereithner is excerpted from the Pray by Day column featured in the Sword of the Spirit website.
Top image credit: Illustration of Christ’s suffering and victory he won for us, image created with digital paintbrush AI enhanced artwork from © Artstyles.com. Used with permission.
Martin Steinbereithner is a life-long member of the Servants of the Word. He is the director of Communications and Development for the Servants of the Word. Martin is from Vienna Austria and currently resides at the Brotherhood Center in Chelsea, Michigan USA. He holds a doctorate in organizational behavior.