Listen to Devotion

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8-10

Want to Suffer?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever heard of a “suffer-fest”? Some people do super-hard workouts, run marathons, jump in freezing water, or eat only certain foods to challenge themselves. Sounds tough, doesn’t it?!

But when the apostle Paul wrote a letter to his friend Timothy, he invited him to a very different kind of suffering. Paul wrote, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8). Paul wasn’t talking about running races or doing cold plunges. He was talking about being willing to go through hard things so others could hear about Jesus.

Life is hard sometimes. Even when you’re young, you know what it feels like to get hurt, to mess up, or to feel sad. We live in a world full of sin—things that go against what God wants. It can make school hard, families argue, or friendships fall apart.

But here’s the good news: Jesus already suffered for you. He died on the cross to take away your sins. You don’t have to carry them anymore. Jesus didn’t stay dead—he rose from the grave! Because he’s alive, you will live forever with him in heaven. No more pain. No more sin. No more sadness.

Paul had been in jail and treated badly just for telling people this good news. Still, he said it was worth it. Sharing Jesus and his forgiveness is one of the best things we can do. Not everyone will listen, and some people might say “no thanks” when you invite them to church. That might feel a little like suffering. But God says it’s worth it. You never know when someone might believe because you shared Jesus with them.

So, like Paul told Timothy, be brave. Be loving. Keep sharing Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, life can be hard. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about you or to live as your child. Help me remember that you already suffered for me. Give me strength to share your love and to keep going, even when it’s hard. Thank you for the promise of heaven, where all sadness will be gone. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Can you think of someone who used to make really bad choices but changed and started doing good? What do you think helped them change? (Now share Paul’s conversion story from Acts 8-9 and how Jesus changed him.)
• Have you ever had a day where everything just felt really hard or sad? What helps you feel better when that happens? (Now connect that to the promise that Jesus will one day end all sadness forever in heaven.)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Has anyone ever made fun of you or someone else for being kind, honest, or standing up for someone?
• What would you tell a friend to help them keep doing the right thing even when it’s hard? (Now connect it to the idea of suffering for doing what’s right, which Paul talks about.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to do the right thing when others might not like it?
• What helps you stay strong and keep going?