Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

Yesterday we talked some about suffering and persecution for Jesus and with Jesus. We will look at even more Scriptures that talk about taking part in suffering for Jesus and the Gospel. Jesus and his brother James talked about suffering, which doesn’t end there. Paul also writes about what it means to suffer for Jesus. In Philippians 3:10, we read that Paul WANTS to suffer with Jesus and share in his death! Doesn’t it seem like in our world, the last thing we want is to suffer? We seek out comfort and usually attain it. We can turn on the AC when it is hot and the heat when it is cold. We can choose the best sofa or mattress for maximum relaxation and rest. We have different shoes with different comfort levels. So why does Paul want to suffer?

Those who follow Jesus suffer with purpose. Not only is Jesus in us in our suffering, but we also get to share in his glory because of it. Paul writes more about what it means to share in Jesus’ glory in Romans 8. He writes, “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” We all want the glory, but very few would want to suffer for it. We can understand what it means to get glory or praise for something when we work hard. Most of us have had a time when we have sacrificed our time, our comfort, our resources - and maybe our sanity - to get a project done. Maybe you could say you suffered some to be able to get it done. When the project is complete, and you get the praise for it, isn’t it all worth it?

So when was the last time you suffered for Jesus? We do not understand persecution here in the U.S. as the first and early churches did. Christians were being arrested, beaten, and even murdered for the name of Jesus. We have the freedom to worship publicly. Most importantly, we do not have to be afraid to pray in public or in our homes. We do not have to fear that someone might arrest us for sharing the news of Jesus, and there are still many countries that do today.

Maybe you haven’t suffered for Jesus or the Gospel. Maybe you haven’t been persecuted for your faith (our persecution is more in the realm of being made fun of, excluded from events or conversations, and losing friends). Is that because the people around you don’t even know that you follow Jesus?

If we are to share in his glory, we must first share in his suffering.

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you suffered for the name of Jesus? How can you see his glory now?
2. Where must you step out of your comfort zone for Jesus and the Gospel? Set a time and place to have a conversation with someone.