“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13. 

We can suffer or undergo pain, distress, or hardship for many reasons. But what does it mean to suffer for Christ’s sake?   Sake or  the Greek woud heneka means on behalf of, for the value of, or in support of. Therefore, suffering for Christ is on behalf or in support of His atoning work and salvation for all mankind; we suffer for Christ’s sake when we spread the gospel message and endure persecutions and afflictions that will certainly follow. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13.

The apostle Paul spoke of his own zeal and steadfastness in ministry for Christ’s sake. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-6.

As ambassadors for Christ our message must be Christ centered and not self-centered; our experiences must point to the cross. Even in the midst sufferings, we forge on for the up building of God’s kingdom.“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Peter 2:20. 

Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, is a great example for us all, as he totally submitted his will over to God’s. The Apostle Paul’s teachings were strong and distinct because of his life changing encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Instead of persecuting Christians, He now  taught for Jesus’ sake, and he not only  suffered outward persecution himself,  but he also suffered internally as he mentally struggled to consistently bring his will into subjection to the Lords’.

God’s amazing grace and power gives every born-again believer the courage, strength, and tenacity to run this race as His effective witnesses. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians 4:7-8.

Finally, let us learn to stand strong in the power of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:58 admonishes us “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

In the midst of pain, distress, or hardship we can be assured in all that God has done and will do for us “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37.

God blessings and peace to all…remain steadfast in the faith and remember we have been picked out, to be picked on!.