Couple onto this experience of simply being a human in this fallen age the fact that if you are a Christian, you not only will suffer what everybody in general suffers, but you will also likely be targeted to suffering just because you are a Christian. You will be ridiculed for your faith. You will be ostracized and overlooked because of your faith. You might find yourself canceled. Or worse, you might be a victim of violence, imprisonment, or even death because of your faith. We read in the history books about the persecution of Christians in the past, but beloved, you need to realize that in 2023, the persecution of Christians is more widespread than ever before.

Suffering is an inevitable reality for all. Apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. He testified in one of his letters that because of his faith and his ministry according to that faith, he had been whipped numerous times and beaten with rods. He had even been stoned once. And he had been imprisoned on several occasions. In fact, his final imprisonment would end in his execution. All because he was a follower of Christ who ministered to the world the truth of God’s Word.