Christian, Are You Suffering?

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19.

We may have been told that when we accept Christ, then there will only be sunshine and roses. We may have even believed it’s only to find out the problems remained, and the suffering did not disappear.

But we’ve changed.

Suffering results from the fall and a consequence of sin against God. We suffer because of our sinful and foolish choices and those of others. Some people see you as a Christian and are threatened by the goodness they see in you. They don’t understand it, but it makes them feel guilty and conscious of their own evil ways.

This is the Holy Spirit revealing to them their need for a Savior. They may not accept that truth and take it out on you. They are so full of themselves that they want to knock that goodness out of you and take you so far that you’ll “lose it”.

Remember, you’re not suffering from doing something wrong, but for doing something right.

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and do good.

1 Peter 4:16-19 NIV

God’s people suffer

Suffering for being a Christian should not be a surprise. Evil and sinful men targeted Jesus, and remember you follow in His footsteps. Suffering for Christ is a blessing, for He is with you. If and when you suffer for being a Christian, then trust God. Continue to live the “with God” life.

God is Sovereign, even in our suffering, and in His good and perfect timing He will lead us out of the suffering, comfort us and bring relief. Additionally, we will become stronger, more faithful Christians as we’ve journeyed the road of suffering together with the Lord.

The With-God Relationship

Our relationship with Christ may include testing. But the testing is good for us. He will answer our prayer, come alongside us, and make us as good as gold.

… I will refine them, like silver, and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them. I will say, “They are My people” and they will say, “The Lord is our God.”

Zech 13:9 NIV

I don’t know about you, but I prefer not to meet the Lord face-to-face without being tested and tried. I want to know where I am wanting and bring those wanting places to Him.

We suffer physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. But we never suffer alone. When we accept the reality of our suffering, then we can refocus ourselves on the God of all comfort. Remember your past, His presence in you and your future with Him.

Suffering for your faith

You will suffer for your faith. You are different and one who belongs to the God.

Trust me, God takes no pleasure in your suffering. But if we do what is right, we may have to suffer. If it is God’s will, when we do what is right, we may suffer. Don’t be surprised by it.

Praise God for the testing of your faith. The testing is not for God to determine the measure of your faithfulness, but for you to know it. Do we love God enough to go His way while everyone else goes the opposite direction? Are we yielded enough to say, “Though none go with me, still I will follow”?

Will you share in the suffering of Christ?

It’s difficult to be a Christian. It brings its measure of loneliness, unpopularity, problems, and sacrifices. People, outside the faith, don’t understand. In a post-Christian society, they may misunderstand and have been hurt by “so-called” Christians in the past.

Where is God in all this? Right there with you. The Shekinah presence—the glory and Spirit of God rests on you. Entrust yourself to Him.

Christians suffer for Christ and suffer in a way that honors Him and His name. Our lives and conduct are on display, and we’re not ready to mar His reputation. Our attitude, in suffering, should give pause to the world so they see that your relationship with Him is real, personal, and intimate. You’re not a Christian in name only.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Prov 21:3 NIV.

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your

Mic 6:8

Let us profess in what we believe, is to be true and do what we believe to be right. Have nothing to do with false of a wrong thing. You can do this because God is working in your soul, a supernatural work of faith.

Blessed

Blessed, happy, and fortunate are you who suffer abuse because you carry the name of Christ, Oh Christian. Regardless of your outward condition, you are healthy in your soul, secure in your mind and have joy in your heart. The Spirit of glory—The Spirit of God rests on you.

You are not suffering so much for Christ, but with Christ. He feels our sorrow, sees our heartache, and knows our pain. When He returns in all His radiant glory, then we will rejoice in victory together. We who share in His suffering also share in His triumph.

Call to Action

Even in your suffering, trust the Lord. You are blessed in the “with-God” life because He is with you!

He upholds you with His righteous right hand. The Lord is near you. He is as close as the breath you breathe and as near as the beating of your heart.

He who created the heavens and the earth will create in your soul a steady faith. The yielded heart, resting in the hand of Father God, will find comfort and assurance. It is He who quiets the soul and brings peace, perfect peace in the storm.

No matter what translations you turn to, Scripture will reveal His loving care and faithfulness to see you through whatever happens. Seek Him, pray, and entrust yourself to His loving care.

The Lord is near!

The Lord is at hand. Be carful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:5b-7 KJV

The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:5b-7 NRSV

The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:5b-7 NET

May the Lord bless and keep you each and every day,