As Christians, why are we called to suffer? Jesus made it clear that in following Him, there would be a cross to bear. (Matthew 16:24)
Prior to our text, Jesus warned of the great persecution that Rome would bring on Jerusalem, and the destruction of the temple.(Luke 21) There will be persecution, and His disciples would be called to suffer for His sake. But this persecution, this suffering would open a door, to make a bold witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Suffering gives us an opportunity to share our faith. While the world is crumbling around us, we are standing on a firm foundation, and that is Jesus Christ. He will sustain us, and bring us through whatever peril comes our way.
We will have an answer to the world. Our lives will speak volumes,
of our love for Christ, and our complete faith in Him. We will have wisdom from God, to share with those who oppose us, and persecute us. They will see and hear, concerning our love for Christ, and the hope that we find in Him.
What a difference Jesus' suffering made for the world. Our suffering will also make a statement that will cause those around us to take notice, and see the peace we have in our hearts, in the midst of trial. GP
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