Spiritual Warfare: 'We Are Called to Suffer with Christ'

God's Power for Our Battles — Sunday, December 7, 2025

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
— 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, this concept is very confusing to me, so please help me to understand how suffering helps me connect with Christ. You instruct me to endure it like a good soldier, calling it a necessary work and labor that brings fruit. But, Lord, now that I think about it, I pray more and realize my dependence on You the MOST when I’m suffering-not when things are great. Open my eyes to see and my mind to understand this... In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Disciplined for Service
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Make me strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Help me pass your word on to others who also will share it. Help me take my share....."
Be Strong!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, In today's verses Paul was urging Timothy to be strong. I urge you as well to be strong in Me. With Paul's impending martyrdom, he..."
Exercising the Spirit
Article by Scott Owings
What have you done to grow your soul lately? While we focus on physical exercise at the beginning of the year, why not also focus on spiritual exercise, too?

Illustration

Illustration of 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NLT — Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 7, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Will Redeem My Life!' (Ps. 49:15)
"But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 40:4
"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'You Must Preach in Rome!' (Acts 23:11)
"That night [after Paul's difficult defense, hardships, and arrest,] the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Clean Mind' (Ep. 5:5)
"Dear Father, Holy God, You have warned me that I can be sure of this: that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is covetous (idolatrous!) has....."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare