Called to Suffer?

But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name.1 Peter 4:16 AMPC

There is this new age philosophy that propounds that faith in Christ does not leave room for suffering, trials or tribulations. Some hold on to the saying that because Christ has already suffered on the cross, anything negative that his followers may experience has already been taken care of. That's just a small part of the whole truth.

The while truth is that faith in Christ is a call to a full life, a life that will experience all that Christ experienced, so that it can also enjoy the fullness of the blessings that his life has established. Anyone who seeks to identify with the blessings of Christ cannot claim the good and reject the inconvenient. Life in Christ is a complete package.

Let it be known that following Christ will certainly not be popular. Deciding to follow him will bring its own set of problems. Following him means going against the world, and anyone against the world cannot settle for an 'easy' life. The world and the Word are opposites, parallel lines that can never meet. Being on one course means being against the other, and you cannot have the best of both extremes. You have to choose which one you want to follow.

At no time does Christ promise an easy run. He promises his Presence and Power, and those are enough for any problems that may come. His name comes with grace and mercy, which are enough to take care of any inconvenience the world may throw at you. But you have to get the connection right. Being called by his name is a matter of identity and ownership. When you know who you are and who you belong to, your priorities are ordered correctly.

So, when trials and tribulations come as a result of your ownership, rejoice. The person who owns you will not let your life go to waste. Eternity is both a journey and a destination and all I do now is the journey and the preparation for eternity. How ready am I? His time of favour is here.