In I peter 2:20b and 21 it says, "God bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good. After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering (on the cross) for you."
Of course, we all want to pray for God's blessings, but to have to suffer for it? I don't like to suffer. And to suffer for doing something good? That just doesn't fit very well in my idea of fairness! Well, if I am to follow Christ, I had better accept suffering with grace. Better yet, I'd better praise God for any suffering I may go through! Didn't Christ suffer for doing something good? Of course. He died on the cross for me, that I might know God and be forgiven of my sins. If I am ever called to suffer, I pray I would be prepared with God's grace and courage.
In these strange days and times with the concern for those who use radical means to kill and hurt those who don't believe as they do, there may be some who are called to radically suffer. And there may be many who are called to suffer by living at a time where such radical means are being used. Perhaps it would be wise if Christian followers would, at least, be prepared.
Lord Jesus, how we praise you and thank you for your most precious and costly gift to the world, your suffering for us. Oh, if everyone could know your love and return it! I know, Lord, that those who would suffer in order to serve You, would have the great blessing of truly, wholly being One with You in Paradise. Amen.
May we never have to know this tragedy. May the whole world have the Love of Christ forever in our hearts!
Jo INMN
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