“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail.” 1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)
I’ll be honest, I don’t like to suffer and I try to avoid it at all cost! But the scriptures are very clear when it comes to suffering. In fact, it uses the words suffering and persecution almost in tandem with faith and being a Christian. The early church went through intense persecution and suffering, some even death. This is still going on in our world today as people begin to follow Christ. I saw this video with Francis Chan describing some of the suffering Christ Followers are experiencing in India, check it out.
Persecution in India: Francis’ Response from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.
In America, suffering for Christ look much different doesn’t it!?! Matter a fact, some of the things that we call suffering, when compared to what others go through around the world for their faith, doesn’t even seem like suffering does it. Regardless of the type of suffering we endure, let’s be found faithful through it. I don’t know how, when, or where, I may be persecuted or have to endure some suffering for the Name of Jesus Christ. But my prayer is that when that moment happens, I keep my eyes on Christ, so I can persevere through what ever persecution the world may throw my way.
Today, may we keep our eye’s on Jesus, be Faithful to Him, Stand with Him and for Him, regardless of what I may have to endure for the sake of His Name!
Dan Gould 
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