We often hear of Christians who face persecution or even death for identifying themselves with Christ. I wonder, if I haven’t been tested in the mundane suffering when I am identified with Christ now, will I be faith-filled in the heat of persecution? Does my faith during the heat of trials give testimony and proof to the inestimable value of trusting Jesus, who has called me out of darkness into His wonderful light?
I find hope and courage in the way believers throughout time have faced trials. Their endurance in the heat of persecution, tragedy or pain points me to the grace of God that is evident in their situation. Books and movies turn these accounts into tales of triumph of the human spirit. But by doing so, they often miss God, the main character and author of the story!
When He sets us on a road of suffering, He gives us the grace to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1), fixing our eyes on Jesus. And the result is that Jesus Christ is revealed to be worthy of praise, glory and honor!