Suffering, persecution and struggles are three words used frequently in the New Testament to describe an integral part of a believer’s life. They are three different words that summarise the trials and afflictions Christians underwent for declaring their faith in Jesus. In the past, Christians constantly faced several persecutions for their faith. At times they were beaten, imprisoned and even killed. Presently, in countries like China and Korea, there are serious consequences attached to preaching the word of Christ to people. And although the majority of Christians across the world do not suffer physical harm like the Christians of old, there are still sufferings associated with serving Christ. Is it God’s plan that we suffer and undergo such trials as Christians? In this article, the focus will be on uncovering the sufferings of Christians of present times. It will also address reasons why we suffer and if it is indeed God’s desire that we suffer as Christians.
You were ordained to suffer for Jesus’ namesake
Philippians 1:29 informs us that once we become Christians, we have been chosen, not just to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. That is not to say that our lives as Christians are supposed to be filled with sorrow and trials. It simply means that we live in an age where we must not be afraid to suffer because of our faith in Christ.
Therefore, you would realise that the current dispensation we live in has little regard for things of God. It is even sadder because even in churches, while some Christian leaders are fashioned to bring the name of Jesus into disrepute, others are meant to dissuade and mislead the people of God. The Christian life has its fair share of trials, and that is because of two things: the constant attacks of the evil one and the need for us to kill our flesh (see 1 Peter 4:1).
Suffering from the devil
At times, we suffer because the evil one decides to afflict us. Truthfully, immediately we accept Jesus into our lives, we enter into a battle against the evil one. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our faith, therefore, exposes us to such attacks.
In the scriptures, Job encountered suffering even though he had done nothing wrong. The Bible says that Job was an upright man (see Job 1:1), and therefore, it was not that God desired that he suffer and decided to hand him over to the devil to afflict him. Instead, the story makes it clear that God recognises the fact that suffering produces endurance. Therefore, Romans 5:3 further adds that we must rejoice in our sufferings because it works patience in us.
Suffering from the flesh
We are also subject to suffering, which emanates from our flesh. When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, it was clear that our flesh had been cursed and was destined to perish. Hence, the gratification of the flesh brings death, but living according to the Spirit brings life.
In Galatians 5:24-25, the Bible tells us to live according to the Spirit, and the only way to do this is to crucify or deny our flesh. It is clear that as Christians, we need to deny the flesh, and this is the source of the suffering of many genuine Christians. So Jesus, in Matthew 16:25, highlights that you cannot serve Him effectively without denying yourself of your personal ambitions and selfish pleasures. Resisting the numerous temptations and pleasures that come your way causes you to suffer and, at times, be ridiculed by many.
To remind us that this Earth is a passer-way
Many Christians have let go of the faith because of these sufferings. Instead, these sufferings should help us remember that earth is a temporary place, and our final destination is heaven. God did not create you to struggle, but He created you to live in his presence and away from strife and suffering. Furthermore, as you serve Christ amidst these sufferings and troubles, you are assured of the promise of God never to leave or forsake us and that He is with us in the midst of them all.
In conclusion, God does not desire that we suffer. But in this age and time when we are faced with these trials and struggles, we must rejoice because suffering for our faith works patient endurance in us.
