There is an uncomfortable truth that is not discussed enough from our pulpits or in our conversations. Being a follower of Christ means we are going to suffer. We know it’s true because we are called to this. (1 Peter 2:21; Philippians 1:29-30) Depending on what country you live in, and for some, even in what part of your country, you will face different degrees of persecution.
But all Christians will suffer for the sake of Christ because the gospel is offensive to those who refuse to bow to the Lordship of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:7-8) He promised us this would happen, and if it’s not happening to you yet, then it will in the days to come. (John 15:18-20; 2 Timothy 3:12) We need to be ready. (1 Peter 4:12-13; 1 Peter 3:14-15)
We like to think of our calling as being something grandiose and unique to us. But you are called to the same thing I am, and the same thing every other true believer is called to. Suffering is inevitable because each of us is called to this. We are eager to declare our willingness to pick up our cross and follow Him, but far less enthusiastic about suffering. We want the peace and rest promised by Jesus, but not the suffering He also promises. (John 16:33; Matthew 11:28-29) In the end, you will either want all of Jesus and all of His promises, or you will want nothing to do with Him at all. (Luke 14:26-33; Revelation 3:15-16)
We are called to suffer. This shouldn’t surprise or terrify us. Suffering is what we signed up for. We choose to live like Christ and to die for Him. (Luke 9:23-24; Philippians 1:20-21) This is the life we pursue by His grace and the only life that leads to eternal life with Jesus. (Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6) We are called to this because He died for us. Our Lord suffered in ways unimaginable to our thinking. When we live in obedience to Him, we will walk just as He did (1 John 2:6) and suffer like He did as well. (1 Peter 2:20-21; Romans 8:17)
Jesus tells us that anyone who doesn’t pick up His cross and follow Him is not worthy of Him. (Matthew 10:37-39) What is it to pick up a cross but to suffer? I don’t think Jesus misspoke or exaggerated here because that would violate His perfection. (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15) We don’t have to understand the mechanics of how all this works. We only have to know that this is His plan. If this is the plan of the Holy God, then that’s the one I want to follow. Who else is going to have a better plan for your life? Satan? Not a chance. You? Don’t make me laugh! Only God can save you. (Isaiah 43:11; Acts 4:12)
Every bit of suffering we endure is temporary. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Romans 8:18) All of it brings glory to God. (1 Peter 4:12-16; John 21:18-19) And that is the point of life on this spinning orb, to do everything to His glory and for His honor. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17) So what if we have to suffer for a little while now? (1 Peter 5:10; 2 Corinthians 4:17) We’ll have all of eternity to rest in the glorious presence of our God and King.
We don’t need to be fearful or live in dread. Sufferings will come because we are called to this. (1 Peter 2:21; John 16:33) Stand firm in your faith and put on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 16:13) He will not leave you and will provide all the strength you need. (Hebrews 13:5-6; Philippians 4:13) In the end, He will salve our wounds and reward our suffering. (Revelation 21:4; James 1:12) What better ending to our story could there be?