A Little Suffering For Christ's Sake - Thursday Devotionals

Charles Simeon saw his suffering as a wonderful privilege of bearing the cross with Christ.

One striking witness to this was during a time when the Cambridge University was especially cold and hostile to him.

He reflected on his own name “Simeon” which is the same as Simon who was compelled to bear the cross for Jesus.

“As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.”

Matthew 27:32

He exclaimed about that text:

“What a word of instruction was here--- what a blessed hint for my encouragement! To have the cross laid upon me, that I might bear it after Jesus—what a privilege! It was enough. Now I could leap and sing for joy as one whom Jesus was honoring with a participation in His sufferings.”

Charles Simeon

After being persecuted for 49 years for his faith, he was asked how he had surmounted it, he said:

“We must not mind a little suffering for Christ’s sake.”

Charles Simeon

Simeon strengthened himself with massive doses of meditation and prayer.

A friend of Simeon named Housman lived with him for few months and talked about his discipline.

“Simeon invariably arose every morning, though it was the winter season, at four o’clock; and, after lighting his fire, he devoted the first four hours of the day to private prayer and the devotional study of the Scriptures… Here was the secret of his great grace and spiritual strength. Deriving instruction from such source, and seeking it with such diligence, he was comforted in all his trials and prepared for every duty.”

H.C.G. Moule about Charles Simeon

How many of us take such time to talk with God every day?

Do you take any time during the day to meditate and pray?

Is it enough or could it be more?

How much time is enough?

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Colossians 4:2

This post is part of Thursday Devotionals series. Right now it is going through the life, work and faith of Charles Simeon.

Would you like to read the first part, Are You Ready To Suffer For Christ?

You might also enjoy the second part of the series, Growing Downward.

I also recommend the thrird part for the children of this generation called, All Consuming Interest.

The fourth part is called, Peace Flowed In Rich Abundance.

If you have not yet read the fifth part , This Sweet Hope.

Take some time to read the sixth part also, Blessed Are The Peacemakers.

Hope you will enjoy reading the seventh part, A Double Blessing To Your Ministry.

Are you willing for, A Little Suffering For Christ's Sake.