When We Suffer

God allows suffering so that nothing stands between Him and me. You
see, when we suffer, we're much more apt to fall to our knees, and when
we do, our hearts are open to the Lord. -Joni Eareckson Tada

"Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." John 15:20

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10-12

Are we willing to suffer for Christ? If we avoid suffering and persecution, we may miss His will for our lives. Peter, who certainly knew his share of suffering, told Christian slaves, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

Let's be willing to suffer for Christ. He sure did suffer for us.