Colossians 1:24-29

24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

I have to admit... I am NOT glad when I suffer in my body... not for Jesus or for anyone else.... he gives us a new way to look at it... but still... I am not the one to rejoice in suffering... I do realize we all suffer for the furthering of the kingdom... our particular struggles in life are the very thing that God will use to help someone else later on... and we go through it first to be help to someone else... (I still do not appreciate the suffering... that's just me...)

28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

I learn daily more and more that all that I can ever be is only through Christ working in me... daily changing me.. growing me.. helping me... I am completely dependent on Him and I am thankful for that...