2 Timothy 3:12: Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
This may be the most commonly asked question about God from both believing and (probably more-so) non-believing people. Why not? Who likes to suffer? The Bible is very clear, though, about this point: if you’re to sincerely and diligently seek a relationship with Jesus Christ, you’re going to suffer. 2 Timothy 3:12 plainly states that all who desire to live Godly in Christ will suffer persecution. Philippians 1:29 further emphasizes the truth and authority of the authorship of suffering when it states suffering is “granted on behalf of Christ.” What?!?! Again, why would you want to believe in and follow a God who bestows suffering?
One of the great toe-holds that comes with a saving faith in Jesus is that He doesn’t ask anyone to do something He hasn’t already dealt with Himself. No one in human history was more wrongly accused, abused, and tortured. Yet, this was God’s plan for our redemption! The Apostle Peter says in the first chapter of his first epistle that the prophets told of Christ’s sufferings, and the Lord Himself said He had to suffer in Luke 24:26. No other faith offers this – a God that is willing to personally submit Himself to suffering.
Now you may be really confused. Why believe in and follow a God that not only allows human suffering but also makes part of His plan for His one and only Son to suffer as well? What purpose does this serve? Take a look at Romans 5:3-5: “We also glory in tribulations (or afflictions or sufferings) knowing that tribulations produces perseverance; and [proven] 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 [by Christ].”
Suffering typically either leads people to or away from God. It forces the choice that every human must face in his/her lifetime. I believe God is not above allowing suffering (sometimes it can seem overwhelming) to force the issue of whether or not you’re going to seek Him for help, relief, or explanation – or deny Him. Suffering in the name of Christ, though, offers a promise and a purpose that does not exist absent of God. What are those promises? Perseverance, character, and hope. The assurance of fruit of Godly sufferings in perseverance and proven character contain the implication that we can expect multiple seasons of suffering. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:11 that “blessed are you when they revile and persecute you.” Note he says “when”, not “if”.
So now you may understand that you may be able to better handle tough times – but what about the promise of hope? Wherever suffering in the name of Christ is mentioned in Scripture, it is very soon followed by a promise of deliverance. Not necessarily always the abatement of the suffering but the promise of ultimately entering into the Father’s glory. As mere humans, we cannot understand how amazing and awesome this will be. The Apostle Paul, who suffered more than any of the apostles and therefore would know more than most about real suffering in the name of Christ, makes this compelling statement in Romans 8:17, “I consider the present sufferings aren’t even worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed.”
Jesus seeks a relationship with every person. Relationships grow stronger when feelings, thoughts, joys, and sufferings are shared. If you’re suffering in the name of Christ, you are sharing and fellowshipping with Him in that suffering. The great news is He also promises to share His glory with you as well, and that glory is so awesome and wonderful that what you’re going through isn’t even worth comparison. That’s the hope that is only available through Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!