“Wherefore I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13).

Paul makes an interesting statement to the Ephesian believers. He speaks of the troubles he endured and the hardships he experienced as he served the Lord. Whoever thinks that living for Christ is going to be easy in this wicked world is sadly mistaken. For Paul to serve Christ and fulfill the commission that the Lord Jesus gave to him would be costly indeed.  Yet it was worth every bit of suffering and difficulty Paul encountered. He faithfully gave the gospel to these folks, and now he doesn’t want them to grow fainthearted because of his tribulation. You and I can have the same assurance in our hardships. We must not go looking for trouble. We must not live carelessly and bring unnecessary difficulties into our lives; however, as we live Godly lives that seek to bring honor to the Lord Jesus, we must never be surprised when difficulty comes. We can even live as did Paul who encouraged everyone around through his hardships.

For today: The Lord Jesus understands my hardships. That’s why He is there being my Heavenly Helper!