No Pain, No Gain
Daily Reflections, Monday, June 2, 2008
Today's Scripture: Jonah 3:4-10
Imagine flipping on the television to find your favorite sportscast interrupted by a Live Emergency Newscast of the President of the United States making a public announcement. Your eyes are glued to the television screen as he says, “…I interrupt this broadcast to inform you that a reliable source has warned of imminent peril threatening the safety and security of our country. This leads me to declare an extended state of national emergency. The crisis…may have severe repercussions on our national infrastructure. We will attempt to counter this force using the most effective means possible. Nevertheless, I summon every citizen...to observe an extended fast, refraining from all food and drink, and to call upon the God of our Forefathers. Perhaps He will have mercy upon us and spare us from this great calamity.”
This is a modern version of the chief official of Nineveh’s response after he got word of God’s intended judgment. He called the people to give up food and water and call upon the Lord for the sake of the city. The people obeyed, and their temporary discomfort brought God’s blessing.
For the Christian, pain is to be expected. It’s part of the growth process. Through it all, God works on us, in us, and through us to change us into the image of Christ. Your pain will bring gain and God’s glory.
Today's Quote: No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne;
no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.—William Penn
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- Title: "No Pain, No Gain"
- Length: 2:53 minutes (2.64 MB)
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