Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:16 (NIV)
Since Christians were first called “Christians,” we have been surprised when we run into suffering and persecution. We are surprised when bad things happen, and often, I think we forget who we are when those things happen.
Hebrews 12:7 reminds us to “Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” (BSB) While it’s difficult sometimes to differentiate between persecution and other forms of suffering, this verse from Hebrews advises us on how to view all suffering. However, there’s more to consider when we think about suffering and persecution.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
These verses from James give us more insight into why we should persevere in hard times. As do these verses from Romans.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
These verses from James and Romans help us to understand that the “discipline” we read about in Hebrews 12:7 isn’t necessarily the type of discipline one receives as a punishment for doing something wrong. Just as those who work out establish a regiment for working out, often called “discipline,” we know then that discipline has many applications. Indeed, in every aspect of our lives, we ought to discipline ourselves to do the things we need to do. For example, as I continue my current coursework, I know that, with discipline, I will stay caught up in my studies and finish the race.
Therefore, we know that not all discipline is a punishment. Yet, we know that, regardless of what we might perceive as the “reason” for the discipline, God is working on us to improve us. As James says, to make us “mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Romans echoes James but adds that our perseverance in suffering also gives us hope.
In much of the Western world, we don’t know as much about the persecution and suffering our brothers and sisters go through in other parts of the world for their faith. However, that is changing. As societies’ moral boundaries continue to dwindle and shift away from anything resembling God, those who refuse to acquiesce and accept the structure of this new world will be persecuted. It’s only a matter of time.
Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.
Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.
Thanks for sharing. When we suffer, in that suffering we are growing stronger, and our faith is being tested. We can only rely on God to bring us through that suffering. Jesus suffered for us, and how He suffered was gruesome. He didn’t complain not one bit, so when we suffer, it is nothing compared to how Jesus suffered for the whole world. Whether we get over the suffering down here, or when He calls us home, it is His perfect will for us. Yes, suffering isn’t pleasant, it hurts. While we are suffering, we can count it all joy because Jesus is with us and we are never alone. Have a wonderful weekend. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁.
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Amen. Thanks for stopping by, Shaunelius!
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Hi Jason,
It is a most comforting truth that for those who have received Christ and belong to Him, that nothing we go through is a “punishment” for our sin. Jesus took the full penalty for all of our sin – past, present, and future. It was all placed upon Him and paid for at the cross.
We may still receive a chastisement if we go astray, but it is nothing but helpful discipline from the hand of a loving Father and for the good purposes that you described. There is no wrath in it, since God’s wrath for our sin was all spent upon the fair head of Jesus.
If, as Christian believers, we fall into spiritual coldness or stumble into sin, we should reject the lie that God’s wrath has been aroused toward us or that He will somehow make us pay – false, false, false. We should never hesitate to turn to our loving Father in repentance once again. This is His utmost desire for us and He will receive us joyfully, as the father received the prodigal son.
This is a truth that I came to understand only through hard experience. Our enemy works overtime to try and alienate us from God with subtle lies and whispered fears. Praise the Lord that He is faithful to His own and will not suffer a single one who belongs to Him to be lost.
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Well said, Craig! Thank you for your insight. God bless you.
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