“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,” – Philippians 1:29
How do we suffer for Christ’s sake? What does that mean? Paul gave us the answer in the verse prior by being, “in no way alarmed by your opponents which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.” While some, like the unbelievers in Philippi, may see suffering as a sign of the destruction of Christianity, we understand that suffering for the sake of Christ is part of something much bigger. Suffering is actually a platform to display God’s power at work in our lives. Some people who don’t follow Christ will see our hope and joy in the midst of difficult times and will oppose us, but some will see it and want what we have. Therefore, as we give God glory through suffering, some will be drawn to Him in faith and repentance.
Are you viewing your sufferings as a platform for the sake of Christ?
