Are You Willing to Suffer?

      Hello, friends!  Our family recently embarked on our summer tour, so I decided to start blogging again in celebration of leaving! (Just kidding!). Seriously, though, it is easier to blog on the road than on the farm, so I have decided to do a weekly post during this trip.  And since I sometimes get the opportunity to preach at the churches we sing at on Sunday mornings, I have decided to convert some of my sermons into blog posts. (This is called killing two birds with one stone!). So here is the thought for this week.

       "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."  (Philippians 1:29-30)

       When I read these verses recently during my Bible time, the thought that struck me was this- it is impossible to separate belief from suffering.  The Word of God clearly teaches that these two go hand-in-hand.  Why is it, then, that so many sermons are preached about the goodness of God, trusting God in the hard times, having faith, believing that God will come through; yet we seldom preach about endurance, hardship, persecution and suffering?  I believe that a big reason is this- suffering is NOT popular in America.  We are the most pampered and lazy generation to walk the face of the earth in A LONG TIME, if not ever!  And simply put, we don't like suffering!  

       Friends, it is time we quit worrying about what others think, and start considering what God has called us to!  There are Christians all around the world who are being tortured and killed, and yet we refuse to take a stand for marriage, life, morality, and the Bible- simply because someone might be offended or make fun of us!  

       In reality, though, the world is crying out for something real and tough and strong- something worth standing for.  The world has tried money, immorality, and entertainment, and they have found that none of that satisfies!  Will we be a good example to them and endure suffering as a good soldier?  Christian, you will stand and give and account before God one day- will you be able to say that you took a stand for Him during your time on earth?  

       I close with 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."  Today, let us ask ourselves- "Are we included in all?" If so, why aren't we experiencing any suffering? There is only one answer- "we aren't standing anymore."