Are we willing to suffer for Christ? That is a question the flesh does not want to hear for the flesh will always move toward the path of least resistance. In order to grow, we must be willing to suffer in the area of our emphasis. When my daughter made a decision to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) she knew her body would suffer in preparation for success. She was not known for her athleticism in school but she wanted to prove to herself she could do it. It took her months to prepare for the day of the race. There were days of sore muscles, fatigue, and emotional challenges during her time of maturing for the race. There were times of discouragement and her loved ones would help her overcome the emotions and pain. She ran the race and crossed the finish line. Not bad for a mother of three who overcame all obstacles to fulfill her desire.
By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Romans chapter 8:
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
If you expect to be one of the “elect”, plan to suffer for Christ for it will not be a casual walk in the park. If you are a frequent reader of these blogs, I would suggest that you are being drawn by FATHER to fulfill a higher calling. As I look back at what FATHER reveals on a day by day basis, I see a theme of preparations for those who are called to a higher state of maturity. Walking in Love on a consistent basis is not for the weak and faint of heart. To fulfill a higher calling we must make the decision to suffer on HIS behalf. Paul was willing, I am willing, and I trust you are too.
Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Timothy 1:
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
The world will ridicule us in our belief in Christ. So what! The world ridicules anyone who does not conform to their control, manipulation, and enslavement. Our elder Brother Jesus Christ suffered the ultimate on our behalf thus we must not shy away when the world ridicules us in like fashion. Our Heavenly Father will lead, guide, and protect us according to HIS plan for our lives. Our suffering is temporary compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us!
We need to focus on the prize, not the preparation. Our suffering often centers around the the old man in us and what it takes to die to the flesh. Rooting out those lusts of the former man can be a challenge. About the time we think we have overcome the flesh, FATHER applies a little more pressure to uncover the deep-seated issue within and reveals it to us, not in condemnation but for correction.
The early believers produced much fruit for the Kingdom. In Acts chapter 5 it is written by THE SPIRIT:
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
How many of us are rejoicing as we suffer? It is easy to rejoice when things are going well but when the pressure is on are we embracing the challenge before us? Those times are when our level of maturity is revealed. Consider Paul who would write two-thirds of the New Testament. In Acts chapter 9 Jesus appeared to Ananias:
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
We all want to be a chosen vessel but are we willing to also take on the suffering associated with being chosen? We must overcome the flesh to fulfill the calling given to us by FATHER. Love is the motivation which overcomes the emotions when the pressure is applied. As we are strengthened in our Love walk, we will be willing to suffer for Christ and our fruit will abound for the Kingdom.