We Will to Suffer as Christians

We have to suffer as children of the Most High. The suffereing we have in this present life nothing compared to the glory of heaven (Rom. 8:17-18). When someone is ill, are we to pray for healing? Yes. Are we to be all that Isaiah 61:1-3 describes? Absolutely. But, at the same time, who are we to go against God's will? If someone is ill and it is for the glory of God for that person to be healed either immidetely or a month or a year from that time of pray, then we have to be the ones to spiritually discern that.

No matter what's going on, let us just focus on Him; on building our relationship with the Almighty Father. He uses trials and tribulations for His children to grow closer to Him, as they are a test of faith, and we can call the blessings/promises of God "side effects", if you will. We just have to focus our heart & mind on the Creator.

Persecution is a prime example of these trials. Jesus said it Himself in Luke 21:12, 17 that we will be persecuted for His name's sake. Not that we may, but that we will. This fact is reaffirmed in 2 Timothy 3:12 and Peter adds to this in his first epistle, 4:16, that whoever "suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." Persecution can be open, meaning a natural manifestation of the spiritual war like what's happening in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia & Southeast Asia now, "religious liberty" court cases in the West, or even just our battle with our indwelling sin. Focusing and strengthening our relationship with our Savior will help us stand in His armor (Eph. 6:12).

And, to close, let's not go looking to be persecuted.