"But take heart; I have overcome the world."

This week I was thinking about suffering for Christ's sake, and how the first century disciples rejoiced in their persecution. Why don't we do that now? 

I feel as though we as Christians in this world, we tend to strive for complacency and being comfortable. I don't think we really strive to put our faith out there. But why not? We talk about it all the time. Oh how we can't wait to graduate from this school or that, to be in the work-place where we can really live out our faith. But why not now?  

I really struggle with being comfortable. It's not right. I think that God wants us to have sufferings. Actually I know He does. Paul says in Romans: 

...and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:17)

 And also in his letter to the Corinthians:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is prepared for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

As Christians, we tend to think that we are here to be here. To remember that we are going to have a home someday that will dwarf this world is hard. But we need to live out our faith in a way that does not make us comfortable.

Get dirty.

Peter says in his first letter:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it come upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christians, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12-19)

We must rejoice in our sufferings! If we suffer, we need to remember that it isn’t weird. Do not be surprised. The first century Christians did it. Why can’t we? I know we like to be comfortable, but dang it, I’d rather rejoice in sufferings than sit around so that I may share in the glory of God as Paul says.

…and when they called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:40-42)

Are we worthy to suffer dishonor for His name? Do we desire to be?

I want to suffer for his name because honestly, that is what we are called to do. And yeah, it’s scary, but remember:

For everyone who is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that had overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)

And:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (Jesus quoted in John 16:33)