1.5.14. How Far Will We Go?

1.5.14
But we commend ourselves in every way as true servants of God, through great endurance, in tribulation and hardships, and privations, in sore straits and calamities, in beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless watching, hunger;..."
2 Corinthians 6:4-5

And the list goes on...through long-suffering,through dishonor and defaming; the apostles suffered for the cause of Christ in a way that most of us will never have to.

The apostle Paul was beaten, shipwrecked, left for dead (several times) put in jail, chained to other prisoners, without food, and endured other hardships, but remained a devoted follower of Christ.  He was willing to die for the One who called him to be a follower.

When and if it comes down to it, how far will we go, how long will we suffer, what will we take to stand for Jesus?

Will we try to hide that we are a follower of His, like Peter did three times?  Will we sell out for a few pieces of silver like Judas?  Will we decide our way of life is too much too give up like the rich young ruler did?  Will we take a bullet like Cassie Bernall allegedly did for her faith and belief in God?  Will we still stand strong in our relationship with God like Pastor Saeed Abenini and Youcef Nadoukhani have and are doing while being imprisoned for sharing the good news of Christ with others in a place that is hostile to Christians?

We do not know what suffering is.  Suffering the consequences for your sin, your bad choices, your irresponsible behavior and praying God will help you get out of it is NOT suffering for Christ.  (just so you'll know when you go through it)

I will remind myself that I have made a choice to follow Christ no matter what.  That I have what it takes to suffer for Christ if I ever have to, I have the "word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness..." in the Holy Spirit to withstand whatever comes my way.  I pray for the strength and courage to stand up for Him even if I am uncomfortable bringing up the name of Jesus, or praying for someone.  I will pray for those who are truly suffering for the cause of Christ, for them to be set free from prison, for safety and protection, for their needs to be met.  5/365