We all cry when we came out of our mother’s womb as we enter this life. It is a symbol of a life of suffering. It is a result of sin, the effects of which is getting worse with each century. When sin is committed, layers and layers of sin are added. We need to know the reason for our suffering. Is it because of our sin or for Jesus’ sake? If it is our sin, then we cannot say our suffering is for Jesus’ sake.

1) Suffering Explained (Phil 1:29a)

It is in behalf of Christ that we are to suffer for His sake, i.e., we are standing in the place of Christ. It is a gift, and a privilege. As a child of God, our heavenly Father will surely protect us. This does not mean that we are shielded from all troubles, from sickness, etc. If we have cancer, will we give thanks for cancer? God is our great Physician. Our sickness is for the strengthening of our faith. Aging with its aches and pains is also part and parcel of suffering for Christ.

Our concept of suffering must come from the biblical perspective. When we suffer, will we still hold on to our faith or will we murmur and complain? We must not think or talk like the world, for we are not of the world. Our quality of life is in relation to our Saviour. We must speak, live and testify for Him as long as we live.

2) Called to Suffer (Phil 1:29b)

To understand suffering rightly, we are to see our suffering as our calling from God. As such, we must not murmur, complain or wallow in self-pity. We are saved to suffer. How long will we have to suffer? It could be for a moment (like the thief on the cross) or for a long time, as long as our sojourn is on earth.

The moment we become the children of God, we are given the mind of Christ. We cannot separate our faith in Christ from suffering for Him. To believe in Christ is to suffer for Him. Otherwise, it is not true and genuine faith.

3) Continue to Suffer (Phil 1:30)

Paul suffered when he was first in Philippi, and was cast into prison together with Silas (Acts 16). An earthquake set them free, resulting in the salvation of the jailor and his family. Paul was at the tail-end of his life, he continued to suffer for Christ.

It is the same for us. The more we shine for Christ, the more we will suffer for Christ. Yet God will not allow us to suffer beyond what we can bear. Our suffering will be according to the measure of our faith. He will make a way of escape for us in our suffering by supplying the necessary strength we need to remain faithful unto Him all the way to the end.