CALLED TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST THE LORD

The fall of man has brought in suffering into our world. We see it all around us. We also see it and experience it in our hearts, minds and physical bodies. This suffering is the direct consequence of man’s rebellion against the LORD God Almighty, our Creator.

We also see another kind of suffering in our world. *All who have accepted the LORD Jesus as their Redeemer and Master, will suffer in this world.* This suffering is the direct consequence of our faith in the LORD Jesus Christ, living for Him in this world, and walking on the Narrow Way.
– “22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” – Romans 8:23

On 28 August, in the year 1892, Peter Ambuofa, a Solomon Islander was baptised into the living faith in the LORD Jesus Christ, in Queensland, Australia. He returns back to his own people, to preach the gospel to his own tribe in 1894. However, he is not accepted because of his faith in the LORD Jesus, and will suffer years of deprivation, sickness, hostility, and threats. The LORD does not abandon His children and their desire to be His witnesses and ambassadors. A drought hits the people on Solomon Islands, which brings many to Christ. By 1904 he will have led 200 souls to Christ. 

Peter Ambuofa, if he were to speak to us today, about his sufferings because of his faith in the LORD Jesus, I am sure he would say thus, “When we desire and decide to walk with our LORD Jesus, we should and must expect the enemy, the world and our flesh will not only offer stiff resistance, but will cause us great hurt and harm, and at times intense and sustained hurt and harm. This is quite normal and natural consequence of becoming a Christian, and living for Christ our LORD.” The above words, though a figment of my imagination, yet they are very true, dear brothers and sisters. Suffering will come seeking for us, when we go searching for the LORD Jesus, and decide to live for Him in this world.

The LORD in His written Word had made this amply clear. Christians who walks on the Narrow Way will be subjected to suffering, and many to intense suffering. The Church history is a witness to such a Christian life. We need not lose heart, not be discouraged and disappointed. The LORD in His grace and mercy will take care of us, our needs and all things concerning us and our families. The One who has called us is faithful.
– “23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Here under are a few more Scripture portions to help us be comforted and strengthened in our hearts, minds and body, as we walk faithfully and obediently on the Narrow Way.
– “12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” – 1 Peter 4:12-16
– “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
– “16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
– “6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” – 1 Peter 1:6-7

When suffering is poured out upon us, we are called to be PATIENT while experience it, ENDURE it silently as we walk through it, and REJOICE in it because of the LORD Jesus, and the hope that is made ours in Him and Him alone. Even so, the LORD Jesus help us.