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“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake…” Philippians 1:29

Wisdom from the desk of Elisabeth Elliot

(Originally published in Elisabeth Elliot’s weekly devotional column)

This morning I was thinking of a friend who is gravely ill.

She is greatly loved by many and has had a unique ministry because of her gifts of friendship and hospitality.

Must she suffer?

The answer is yes.

For the Lord who loves her suffered and wants her to fellowship with Himself.

The joy of thus knowing Him comes not in spite of but because of suffering, just as resurrection comes out of death.

I have a Savior because I am a sinner, and beauty is given to the child of God in exchange for ashes.

We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes.

But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem.

We receive His poured-out life and, being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.

How can one’s illness help another? By being offered to Him who can transform it into blessing.

Posted on Substack.com by Biblical Womanhood

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Romans 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.