The Gift of Suffering

What blessings come to mind when you consider being a recipient of God’s grace. Forgiveness? Favor? Friendship with God? The Scriptures remind us that God’s graces also include the privilege of suffering for Christ. “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake...” Philippians 1:29 (NKJV) When we suffer for our faith, it doesn’t mean we’ve done something wrong. To the contrary, God shows us favor by allowing us to suffer for the gospel. In suffering, we are purified, the unbelieving world is rebuked, and our message and example encourage us, and other believers.