"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteosness' sake, you are blessed."
- 1 Peter 2: 13 - 14
Why don't they speak to you as often anymore? You can hardly bear their judgmental glances as soon as you enter the room. You were living fully for Christ, but you lost your job anyway. You prayed earnestly to be healed, but you are still sick. You went out of your way to be kind to that standoffish neighbor, and all they did was blow you off. You have mounds of bills stacked up on the counter, and all you can do is close your eyes and hope that they will vanish, for there is no other way that they will be gone.
Why?
We Christians are constantly told by our friends, coworkers, or even pastors that this is 'our best life now', and that Jesus will spare us from all suffering if we have enough faith. They boldly declare that Jesus came to give us a better life, and that He wants us to be wealthy, healthy, and problem-free! Sounds nice, doesn't it? But if Christianity were truly a life of utopia, wouldn't millions be converting every day?
Readers, if Jesus truly came to give us our best lives now, why would we even bother looking toward Heaven? If life in Christ is supposed to be problem-free, then why are missionaries suffering? If this is supposed to be our best life, what a disappointment Heaven must be.
The truth is, this is not our best life now. It is completely normal for Christians to endure hardship and suffering. It is not due to a lack of faith. When Jesus was carrying out his earthly ministry, He suffered and He was God. When the nails pieced His hands, when the whip was slashed across His back, and when the crown of thorns sunk into his skull, He felt every ounce of that pain.
If Jesus came just to give us endless benefits without any hardship, people would not follow Christ because they believe in Him, they would be Christians in order to enjoy all of the goodies. Trusting in the Lord and living our lives for Him costs us something, and we may even have to suffer for His sake. But 1 Peter says that we should count ourselves blessed when we suffer in the name of Jesus. Enduring hardships while living fully for Christ is much better than living the perfect life apart from the Lord. When we stay committed to Christ, even amidst our struggles, just think of how great our reward in Heaven will be! We Christians have such a hopeful future to look forward to!
Be encouraged today, "counting it all blessing when you fall into various trials", for the your reward in Heaven will be great. :) God bless you, my dear readers!
