Fellowship of Suffering - Cary E. McQuaid

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

Could it be something that God has given you, this "Fellowship of Sufferings?" Everyone has been assigned a purpose in life; however, few believe their purpose is to testify to God's grace. Few believe God may allow them to suffer so they may be used to help others. It’s hard to understand that the purpose of suffering is to be a means to share our very own experiences of God's grace. To finish this life (race) knowing we have been used by God to help others cross the finish line and enter into heaven together with us, ought to be our ultimate goal and the highest of all honors.

When you suffer frustrations and hardships, consider how God may be planning to use your sufferings. He may be building your character and experience so you’ll be able to guide someone else through the hurdles of life. Count it all joy!

A good coach trains a team to look after one another. Runners are trained to help their teammate finish the race by running alongside—encouraging the weaker to continue to fight, when it seems too hard for them to carry on. When I was in the military, it was the same. We were a team. If one struggled, the team came to their assistance with encouragement, helping them complete the course.

The trials of our lives are tools to strengthen us—ways to groom us into the individuals God wants us to be. Do you know someone who is struggling today? Suffer alongside them and encourage them to continue on.

Jesus suffered for us that we might live. What an ultimate example.

Cary McQuaid is the Director of Souls For Christ International Ministries. He was saved by grace during a combat tour to the Middle East in 1990 and since that time he has been used to reach many souls through preaching, teaching, and writing. He has spoken and taught at various places such as rescue missions, churches, prisons, outreach centers and the World Wide Web. He is the author of “Our Challenge Today”, “The Learner I” and “The Learner II” series. He is also a published poet and songwriter. Cary and his wife Christine currently reside in Naples, Florida. Read Cary's devotions.