Many Christians are prevented from finding joyful, Spirit-filled ministry by their misunderstanding of the suffering that accompanies the normal Christian life. To think that our loving Father would allow tribulation, trial and persecution is difficult for many. Even those that have heard the truth hope that it will not come to them.

As you read the following passages, open your heart to God’s encouragement. By His grace, you will discover the promise, reason, requirement, blessing, and joy of suffering for His Kingdom. Reckon these truths to be true for yourself. Invite the Holy Spirit to transform you by the renewing of your mind.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Christ promised that we “will have tribulation.” Tribulation reminds us that we are in a place that is not our home. It comes with a promise: That in Christ, we can overcome the worst that the world has to throw at us.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2Timothy 3:12

Paul too makes it abundantly clear: The godly in Christ Jesus will necessarily suffer. I cannot imagine how to interpret away the sobering meaning of His encouragement to Timothy. Perhaps He knew…

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Persecution is a blessing – God turning what Satan intended for evil to our good. Here are a few of the benefits:

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:1-3

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

The Greek word translated here as “glory” means “to boast in a thing.” Paul boasted in tribulations because it marked him as belonging to Jesus Christ. He boasted because he was being prepared and strengthened him for another “glory” – the one that was to come.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 1Peter 4:12-14

The word “partake” is important to our understanding of suffering. It means “partner with,” signifying that we are joined with Jesus Christ in our suffering. Could this be one of God’s ways for our abiding in His Son?

The Benefits of Abiding in Christ During Trials and Afflictions

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2

Andrew Murray dedicates a full chapter of Abiding in Christ to encourage us with the blessings of the “in Christ” reality for those who choose to share in His sufferings (please note that most of the following is directly quoted from the book).

1. You will become partaker of all the rich blessings God has designed for you in the affliction:
   1. The purposes of God’s wisdom will become clear to you,
   2. Your assurance of His unchangeable love will become stronger, and
   3. The power of the Holy Spirit will fulfill in you the promise “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10, NIV).”
2. Abide in Christ in your trials, and your cross becomes the means of fellowship with His Cross, providing access to its mysteries:
   1. The mystery of the curse He bore for you,
   2. The mystery of the death to the sin in which you partake with Him, and
   3. The mystery of the love demonstrated by Him descending into all your sorrows.
3. Abide in Christ in the fiery furnace, and:
   1. One like the Son of Man will be seen as never before,
   2. The burning away of dross and the refining of gold will be accomplished,
   3. Christ’s own likeness will be reflected in you,
   4. The power of the flesh will be put to death, and
   5. The impatience and self-will of the old nature will be humbled.
4. Abide in Christ through your suffering, and:
   1. The heart of the Father is revealed,
   2. The fullness of Divine Love is revealed,
   3. You see a hundred times more given to you than you lost, and
   4. Suffering is consecrated and becomes the foretaste of eternal glory.
5. Surrendering self and self-will in suffering will:
   1. Prepare you to sympathize with the misery of others,
   2. Help you to yield yourself afresh… to say that now you have but one object in life: to make known and covey His wonderful love to others, and
   3. Teach you the art of forgetting self, to plead for the welfare of others.

In closing, Pastor Murray suggests the following simple application:

1. When you see affliction coming, meet it in Christ.
2. When it has come, feel that you are more in Christ than in the affliction, for He is closer to you.
3. When it is passing, still abide in Him.

I would like to add: Keep this handy for your encouragement during this decade of storms and chaos. And please, please, please do not waste the pain.

The day is soon coming – some would argue it is already here – when trial, tribulation, affliction, and persecution will not be difficult to find. It would be a shame to miss out on the blessings promised by God for those who partake of Christ’s suffering, in Him.

God bless you with wisdom and courage for the true and normal Christian life.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen

P.S. Not coincidentally, I just today came across a real-life testimony of these promises. The three-episode Voice of the Martyrs radio program begins here. Be sure to listen to the end.

Murray, A. (2003). Abiding in Christ. Bloomington, MN; Bethany Houses Publishers