DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Suffering as the Norm?
by Pr. Dave Mann
There is a common thought among Christians that if we follow Christ devoutly, we will have peace and tranquility in our lives. However, to hold that thought, we need to ignore much of what Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and other writers of the New Testament say concerning difficulties in life.
On many occasions, Jesus warns his followers that they should expect troubles, but in these troubles, they can count on the presence of Christ to guide and encourage them.
In the same verse (John 16:33), Jesus states that his disciples will have peace in him, not in the world, and that they should anticipate troubles in the world. Here are some other places where Jesus exhorts his friends to consider difficulties as the norm.
Matthew 5:10-12
Mark 8:34-35
And from the pen of the Apostle Paul:
2 Timothy 3:12
And the Apostle John:
Revelation 2:10
And the Apostle Peter:
1 Peter 4:12-13
And the Apostle James:
James 1:2-4
But persecution is no match for the confidence that comes through Christ:
John 16:33
1 Peter 4:14
Romans 8:35-39
If this teaching -- considering problems as the norm for Christ’s sake -- is so widespread throughout the New Testament, we should rather be surprised when life is easy!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you who endured mockery at the hand of sinners in this world, by your grace allow us so to follow you that we would gladly suffer for your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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