Die to live

One of the most important things to understand about suffering is that it’s not punishment from God. It’s easy to doubt God’s goodness and kindness when we’re going through difficult times, but it’s important to remember that His heart is always for us. Even though we may not understand why we’re going through suffering, we can trust that God has a purpose for it. As a leader, if you’re a child of God, nothing can happen to you without His permission.
Suffering is often triggered by loss – whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job, or our health. It’s natural to feel broken and in pain during these times, but we can take comfort in the fact that in the kingdom of God, death is never the end. Jesus taught us that even in death, there is the potential for new life. Loss creates space for new opportunities and growth.
Paul, a follower of Jesus, believed that true life comes from losing your life. He had experienced many struggles and challenges, and had even begged God to remove the thorn in his flesh. But he ultimately came to realize that in the act of dying to himself, he was able to truly live. It’s a difficult concept to grasp, but the idea is that by letting go of our own will, desires, and egos, we can experience a deeper, more fulfilling life.
John the Baptist also understood this concept, saying that he needed to become nothing in order for Jesus to become everything. Ultimately, the hardest part of being a true leader is learning to lay down your life and trust that God has a plan for you. It’s a challenging teaching, but it’s a reminder that true leadership means putting others before ourselves and being willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
So, as a question to ponder, would you be willing to die to self for Christ to live through you?