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Monday

Read Colossians 1:24-29

Rejoicing in Suffering for His Glory

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, once shared how she and her sister Betsie endured unimaginable suffering during their imprisonment. They were stripped of their dignity, faced harsh conditions, and lost loved ones. Yet, amid their suffering, Betsie would remind Corrie to give thanks—even for the fleas in their barracks. At first, this seemed absurd. But later, they discovered that the fleas kept the guards from entering their quarters, allowing them to hold Bible studies and minister to the women around them without interruption. Through their suffering, God worked to reveal His love and bring hope to others. (Corrie ten Boom)

Their story reflects Paul’s message: suffering surrendered to God can serve a greater purpose, advancing His kingdom and strengthening His people. For most of us, rejoicing in suffering is a counterintuitive perspective. How can suffering bring joy? The answer lies in understanding that our trials, when surrendered to God, become avenues through which His glory is revealed. Paul’s afflictions were not to atone for sin—Christ’s sacrifice was complete (John 19:30)—but to advance the Gospel and strengthen the Church.

When we endure hardships for the sake of Christ, we participate in His mission. This doesn’t mean we seek suffering but embrace it when it comes, knowing it’s not wasted. Our lives, filled with God’s presence, become testimonies to His sustaining power.

Take a moment to reflect on the challenges you’ve faced. Were there moments where, despite the pain, you saw God working in and through you? Suffering can deepen our dependence on Christ and refine our character. As we persevere, God uses our lives to bring hope to others, demonstrate His sufficiency, and point to the eternal joy found in Him. Rejoicing in suffering is not about ignoring pain but finding purpose and God’s hand, even in the most challenging moments.

Reflection

Pray today for a heart that rejoices in knowing God can redeem every hardship for His glory. Ask for strength and faith to see His hand in the process.

Prayers

Father God, thank You for Your goodness, love and wisdom! Lord, please help me faithfully endure the trials You permit in my life. Please use them for Your glory, to mold me into increasing Christlikeness. Use me to draw others to Jesus Christ. 

 

Tuesday

Read Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:28

The Mystery Now Revealed 

For most of his life, John Newton lived far from God, entrenched in the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and consumed by sin and selfish ambition. His life seemed irredeemable, marked by greed and cruelty. Yet, during a harrowing storm at sea, Newton cried out to God for mercy and planted the seeds of transformation. This moment of desperation began a journey leading him to understand the profound mystery of God’s grace, revealed through Jesus Christ. (Jonathan Aitken)

As Newton grew in faith, he marveled at the Gospel’s power (God’s grace) to save even someone like him. Reflecting on his life, he penned the hymn “Amazing Grace,” which captures God’s redemptive plans, depth, beauty, and mystery. Newton’s testimony remains a powerful example of how the hope and salvation of Christ, once hidden, are now revealed to all who believe.

For centuries, humanity lived in anticipation of this mystery. The prophets spoke of a coming Messiah, catching glimpses of God’s plan, but the fullness of His love and salvation remained veiled. In his writings, Paul describes the extraordinary revelation that came through Christ: God’s grace is not confined to any group but is freely offered to all—Jews and Gentiles, the righteous and the sinner, the privileged and the marginalized. This divine mystery reveals that salvation is earned not by merit nor good works, but is a gift of grace accessible only through saving faith in Jesus Christ.

This truth changes everything. It removes the barriers of status, heritage, and personal failure, declaring that God’s kingdom is open to all who will receive Him. Through Christ, we are not only forgiven but also filled with the presence of God Himself. The Creator of the universe chooses to dwell within us, not as a distant deity but as a loving Father, shaping our lives from the inside out.

Being “filled with God” invites us to live daily in the freedom, assurance, and purpose this revealed mystery provides. Are you embracing the transformative power of God’s grace in your life? Are you sharing the hope of this mystery with others who need to experience its life-changing reality?

Reflection

Thank God for revealing His plan and making you part of His family today. Let the wonder of His grace inspire you to share this hope with someone in need, just as John Newton did through his words and life.

Prayers

Almighty Creator, You alone can use our failures and limitations to advance Your Kingdom. Help me to be open to the work of Your Spirit. Use these, Father, for another’s blessing and grant me the faithfulness to serve others for Your glory.

 

Wednesday

Read Colossians 1:27; Genesis 39

Christ in You, the Hope of Glory 

What does it really mean to have “Christ in you”? It means that God, the Creator of the universe, has chosen to make His dwelling within His people, i.e., you! This isn’t just a lofty theological concept—it’s a life-altering reality. Christ’s indwelling presence changes how we live, think, and love, equipping us to navigate life’s challenges with a renewed perspective.

The phrase “hope of glory” encompasses the present and the future. Christ’s presence within us empowers us to live with purpose and assurance now, even in the face of uncertainty,
while pointing us to the eternal glory to come. This hope isn’t mere wishful thinking; it is a certainty grounded in the unshakable faithfulness of God.

Consider the story of Joseph from the Bible. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph had every reason to feel abandoned. Yet throughout his journey, Joseph remained aware of God’s presence. Genesis 39:2 says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man.” This awareness of God’s nearness gave Joseph the strength to endure betrayal, the courage to resist temptation, and the wisdom to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams.

Joseph’s life is a powerful illustration of the truth behind “Christ in you.” Though Joseph didn’t yet know God’s redemptive plan in Christ, he trusted God was with him. In the same way, Christ’s presence within us provides the strength and guidance we need to face life’s difficulties. Just as God turned Joseph’s trials into triumphs, He can use our challenges to accomplish His purposes when we rely on Him.

Are you living with the awareness of Christ’s presence in you today? His presence shapes how we face trials, make decisions, and interact with others. When we recognize that the One who holds everything together lives within us, we gain courage and assurance, knowing we are never alone.

Reflection

Take time today to meditate on the reality of “Christ in you.” Invite Him into your worries, choices, and relationships. Let His presence renew your perspective, strengthen your faith, and fill you with hope for today and the glory to come. Like Joseph, you can trust that God is working through your circumstances, using even the hard seasons to reveal His faithfulness and fulfill His purposes in your life.

Prayers

My Savior and Lord, I cannot begin to grasp that You love me so much that You indwell me—and all Christ followers—through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to bask in this truth and to be emboldened to gratefully, lovingly share Your Gospel.

 

Thursday

Read Colossians 1:27; 2 Kings 4:1-7

Riches Beyond Measure 

The riches of Christ far exceed material wealth. They encompass treasures like His grace, peace, joy, and strength—gifts that sustain us in every season of this life and eternity. These riches are only ours because of our personal relationship with Christ. Despite knowing this, how often do we live as though we are spiritually poor, burdened by worries, and focused on what we don’t have in life?

The apostle Paul offers a profound reminder in Ephesians 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” This promise assures us that God has already provided for us abundantly in Christ. Only when we shift our focus from earthly lacks to His sufficiency will we begin to experience the fullness of His provision.

The widow’s story in 2 Kings 4:1-7 is a powerful illustration of this truth. Facing overwhelming debt and the threat of losing her sons to slavery, the widow turned to the prophet Elisha for help. She had nothing left but a small jar of oil. Yet, when Elisha told her to gather empty vessels and pour the oil, God miraculously multiplied it until every vessel was filled. The widow’s obedience and faith revealed the abundance of God’s provision. What seemed insufficient in her hands became more than enough when she sought and trusted God.

Like the widow, we may feel empty in some areas of our lives—whether in relationships, work, finances, or emotional strength. But have we brought these needs to God, trusting in His ability to meet them? The riches of Christ are not just reserved for eternity; they are available to us right now in our daily walk. His grace is sufficient for every trial, His peace guards our hearts, and His joy strengthens us even in difficult times.

Reflection

Today, take time to reflect on the treasures you have in Christ. Where do you feel empty or inadequate? Bring those areas to God in prayer, asking Him to renew your awareness of His riches. Fix your eyes on Him, not on what you lack, and trust that He can more than meet your every need. As you do, you’ll discover the immeasurable riches of His grace, freely given to all who believe.

Prayers

O most holy and sovereign God, You have used Jesus’ submission to extreme poverty and abuse to provide the only Way of salvation. Thank you for that, for who Your are. Please enable me to share the riches of Christ with all I know.

 

Friday

Read Colossians 1:28; Acts 26:12-18; John 4:28-30

Proclaiming Him to the World  

Being filled with God is not a private experience; it compels us to share Him with others. When Christ lives in us, His love, grace, and truth overflow into every interaction with the world. Being filled with God isn’t reserved for those with theological training or public speaking skills—it’s a calling for every believer to live a life (witness) that reflects His character and to be ready to share the reason for our hope.

Paul’s mission, given by God (Acts 26:15-18), was clear. Proclaim Christ and help others grow in their faith. In Colossians 1:28, he writes, “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” This mission is obviously not unique to Paul (Acts 1:8). As believers, we are called to share the gospel and encourage others in their faith journeys.

John 4, the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, is an excellent biblical illustration of this truth. After her encounter with Jesus, in which Jesus revealed her past and offered her “living water,” the woman was immediately transformed. And she didn’t keep her experience to herself. Instead, she immediately went to her town and told everyone, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). Her testimony led many in her community to meet Jesus for themselves and believe in Him.

Like the Samaritan woman, when we are filled with Christ, we cannot help but share Him. This doesn’t mean we must always have perfectly crafted words; our actions, attitudes, and genuine love often speak louder than anything we can say or witness. Living a life of integrity, kindness, and faithfulness may be all that is needed to point others to Christ, and when the opportunity arises, we can boldly share the hope within us.

Reflection

Who in your life needs to hear about Christ? Maybe it’s a friend, a coworker, or a family member. Begin by praying for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel through your words and actions. Let today be the first of many where you reflect His light. Like the Samaritan woman, invite others to encounter the glorious mystery of “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” Through your life and testimony, God can use you to draw others into His grace and love.

Prayers

Loving Father, never let me forget that Your salvation is gift, thus unearnable. Help me embrace that gifts are to be shared, not hoarded. Provide me opportunities to share Your Gospel and the faithfulness to do so with those You are calling.

 

Sources

• Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place (Netherlands: Chosen Books, 1971).

• Jonathan Aitken, John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2007).

 

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