Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Many TV shows have been made about people doing incredibly difficult things, or experiencing challenges or hardships that most of us would never dream of. I think of Fear Factor, Mission Impossible, and the Bionic Man or Wonder Woman for some of the fun shows I have watched in the past.

However, there are stories of faith that are even more inspiring than these shows: Mother Teresa and her ministry to the poor, Elizabeth Elliott and her ministry to the tribe of natives in South America who killed her husband, the work of the International Justice Mission to free children trapped in slavery, and stories of numerous pastors and servants of God who risk their lives (even today) to serve others, fight for justice issues, and share the gospel.

Many of these people did not ask for hardship, or order it on a menu. But they found it along the way of serving God and fulfilling his will.

In this passage, Paul is rejoicing in the suffering he experiences due to the cause of Christ and on behalf of the churches he serves. He is filled up with joy to share in the afflictions of Jesus. Why? He is a called servant of God. He is a commissioned gospel spreader. And anything he experiences while serving God will shine God’s glory in the end.

And as he shares, whether in person, by word of mouth, or letter, he is focused on the mystery that has been kept hidden for the ages. This mystery, first revealed en masse to Jesus’ followers while he lived on earth (prior to that to the leaders and prophets of Israel at times), is that God’s Spirit can live inside us. And since the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are one, this means Jesus is with us at all times in our life, if we are true believers.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬, Jesus speaking)

Hardships, persecutions, and injury are now conquered and we get great joy in battling evil and the challenges of this world and overcoming them.

So with all my energy and might, I must live a life that contends for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the one whom I serve and for whom I live!

Lord, I am a broken man. May you take the fractured nature of my heart and heal it. Use me, flaws and all, for your kingdom and your purposes. I strive for the advance of your name!