Suffering As a Follower of Jesus Christ

There is much suffering going on in our world today.  People suffer from disease and famine.  Many live in war torn countries and suffer not knowing what the next day will bring with it.  People suffer from injuries from accidents or conflicts with others.

Many people suffer from physical pain.  Some suffer from emotional scars that just won't heal.  There are many ways that people suffer in our world today.  The list could go on and on.  We all suffer with something and one point or another in some way. 

There are people in our world today that are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ.  We must remember them in our prayers.  There are many who are jailed, miss treated, and even killed because of their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am reminded of what Peter wrote in I Peter 4:12-19 which says,

"12 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.

References for 1 Peter 4:12

• Cross References

• 21 4:12 - 1Pe 1:6,7

13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

References for 1 Peter 4:13

• Cross References

• 22 4:13 - S Mt 5:12
• 23 4:13 - S 2Co 1:5
• 24 4:13 - Ro 8:17 ; 1Pe 1:7 ; 5:1

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

References for 1 Peter 4:14

• Cross References

• 25 4:14 - S Jn 15:21
• 26 4:14 - Mt 5:11

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

References for 1 Peter 4:16

• Cross References

• 27 4:16 - Ac 5:41

17 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?

References for 1 Peter 4:17

• Cross References

• 28 4:17 - Jer 25:29 ; Eze 9:6 ; Am 3:2 ; 1Ti 3:15
• 29 4:17 - 2Th 1:8

18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”                                                                     

References for 1 Peter 4:18

• Cross References
• Footnotes

• 30 4:18 - Pr 11:31 ; Lk 23:31

• o 4:18 - Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. "

If we are serving the Lord Jesus and living for Him we should not be surprised if we face opposition of some sort.  When we serve the Lord we will face some persecution at some point in time. 

We need to keep our focus and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and be led by the Holy Spirit.  We must not give up or back down when things heat up.  The Lord will lead us and bring us through the difficult trials that we will face.

 Lord,

We pray for all believers in Jesus Christ who are suffering persecution at this very hour because of their faith and trust in You O Lord.  Help them through this fiery trial.

Help us to live for You and honor You even when things get hard to do so.

May You receive praise and glory from anything good that we do.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen.