Glorifying God through suffering

Glorifying God through suffering 

Acts 5:41 “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

We see the strong cord of love that the apostles and the early church had for Christ. They were strictly commanded not to teach, nor preach in the name of Jesus. But they insisted that they would obey God rather than men. And they continued. The opposers were not happy and had to punish them and make them suffer for disobeying their order in their own understanding. But we see something amazing! these apostles, rather than cry and complain, they were so happy to suffer shame for Christ. Recalling the words of Jesus which says, “Blessed are ye that are persecuted for righteousness sake.”

Suffering is the way true Christians glorify God. Think about what Jesus told Peter about his death, and at the end of that, the relating apostle said, “Signifying by what death he should glorify God.” And this we know how Peter died. How about apostle Paul? Who suffered so much, so that his suffering was of help to the early Christians. He wrote, “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” His suffering was a strength to the believers, encouraging them, whereby they too glorify God in it.

Today, Why do Christians run away from persecution? Why do we hide from ridicule and shame? Why are we sad when we are derided and conspired against? Jesus said, “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Therefore, let us glory in Tribulation, knowing that through much tribulation we shall enter into the kingdom of God.

Many may misunderstand this, but still, in suffering, believers glorify God. For we know that as long as it continues, we being counted as sheep for the slaughter, nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. In all sufferings, yea, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Wherefore, let us go forth without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Do not say why? Do not say, “I thought all these will not happen” Do not say, I’m thinking of going back, the heat is becoming too much, I can’t bear it. Rather, Rejoice in the LORD, and again I say rejoice. It is better to suffer for Christ now, bear shame for his name, receive reviling and mockery, conspiracy and brutality, than spend endless eternity in hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. But the smoke ascendeth up for ever and ever.

I will not be there, you will not be there. Together we’ll stand. Whatever the challenge, whatever the persecution, whatever the reaction, praise the LORD, we will rejoice in the Lord.

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