23 | Enduring Trials: Deepening Faith and Aligning with Christ

Get the Full Episode Here: Embracing Trials and Challenges for Jesus 

Discover the transformative power of suffering for Jesus in our latest episode of Living on Purpose in Christ. We will delve into the concept of what it means to suffer for Jesus, why it occurs, and how we can persevere through it. We explore the profound biblical truths behind this spiritual journey offering insights into why suffering is an inevitable part of a believer's life and how it aligns us with Christ's own experiences. 

Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:03

Welcome back to another episode of Living on Purpose in Christ. Today, we're diving into a profound and sometimes challenging topic suffering for Jesus. As believers, we often encounter trials and tribulations, and while the journey may not always be easy, it is through these experiences that our faith can deepen and our purpose in Christ become more evident. Join us now as we explore biblical truths that will illuminate how suffering for Jesus is not just an endurance, but a transformative journey that moves us closer to him. Suffering is a reality of life that we, as Christians, are not exempt from. In fact, the Bible tells us that we will face trials and tribulations for the sake of our faith in Jesus Christ. However, as followers of him, we are called to endure suffering with faith, perseverance and hope. On this show, we will explore what suffering for Jesus entails, why it happens and how we can endure it. According to the teachings of Scripture, Suffering for Jesus involves facing trials, persecution and challenges as a result of our steadfast faith in Christ. This type of suffering can manifest in different ways, such as anxiety, rejection or persecution for holding fast to our beliefs. It is important to note that illness is not considered part of this type of suffering, as illness entered the world after the fall in the Garden of Eden and is not a direct consequence of bearing witness for Christ. Additionally, there are no accounts of Jesus himself ever suffering with a physical illness as a result of his obedience to the Father. Suffering for Jesus encompasses enduring various trials and tribulations that arise from living a life of faith in a fallen world. This may include enduring personal hardships such as loss or financial struggles, all while maintaining trust and reliance on Christ. Additionally, emotional distress, rejection and criticism may be experienced as a result of standing firm in our beliefs and values, especially when they conflict with societal norms and cultural expectations. Suffering for Jesus involves a deliberate choice to prioritize obedience to Christ over personal comfort or worldly acceptance. It is a conscious decision to embrace the cross and follow Jesus. This suffering is not aimless, though it's not futile, but it is infused with purpose and meaning, as it aligns us with the suffering of Christ himself and contributes to our spiritual growth and perseverance.

Paula Behrens: 3:04

Suffering often emerges as a result of spiritual warfare, which is the ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness. As believers, we are not exempt from this spiritual conflict. Rather, we are actively engaged in it. Ephesians, chapter 6, verse 12, vividly portrays this reality, stating For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. In this spiritual battle, suffering may arise as a direct consequence of opposing the forces of darkness. As we seek to live out our faith, we may encounter resistance, opposition and attacks from spiritual entities that seek to undermine our relationship with God and hinder our effectiveness in advancing his kingdom. However, it's crucial to recognize that, while suffering may result from spiritual warfare, we are not left defenseless. Ephesians, chapter 6, verse 13 through 18, exhorts us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, emphasizing the importance of prayer, faith, truth, righteousness, readiness and perseverance in the face of spiritual battles.

Paula Behrens: 4:29

Another purpose of suffering is to refine and cultivate spiritual growth and maturity in us. Suffering, particularly trials and hardships, serves as a refining fire that tests and strengthens our faith. Through the process of enduring trials, we develop perseverance, resilience and steadfastness in our faith as we rely on God's grace and power to navigate through challenging circumstances. We experience personal growth, character development and spiritual maturity. Suffering becomes an experience that deepens our trust in God, refines our character and equips us for greater service in ministry. Additionally, suffering fosters empathy, compassion and solidarity with others who are experiencing similar trials, enabling us to comfort and support one another in our journeys of faith. Paul said it perfectly. He writes Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Paula Behrens: 5:51

Enduring suffering for Jesus is a challenging yet essential aspect of the Christian faith journey. It requires intentional reliance on God's strength, unwavering faith in his promises and the support of a caring Christian community. Central to enduring suffering is a deep commitment to prayer and reliance on God's provision and guidance. Prayer becomes a lifeline, offering solace, strength and clarity amidst turmoil. Through prayer, we can pour out our hearts before God, expressing our deepest fears, doubts and hopes. As we continue to lean on God in prayer, we experience his peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We are called to anchor our faith in the unchanging character of God and the certainty of his promises, holding fast to the hope that he is working all things together for our ultimate good. In the face of adversity, maintaining a posture of faith involves surrendering control, relinquishing the need for immediate solutions and trusting in God's perfect timing and purposes. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive Christian community plays a pivotal role in enduring suffering for Jesus. We are called to cultivate authentic relationships within the body of Christ, where we can share our struggles, receive prayer and practical support and find strength in unity. Christian fellowship serves as a source of emotional and spiritual sustenance, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey and that our burdens are shared within the loving embrace of the faith community.

Paula Behrens: 7:36

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Living on Purpose in Christ. I hope our time together has enriched your perspective on the role of suffering in your spiritual walk. Remember, through every trial you are being reshaped to reflect His image more clearly. If you'd like to delve deeper into other intriguing topics like this one, I invite you to join our Faith Building Club. As members, you will have access to a variety of resources, including a PDF download of today's lesson and so much more. Visit faithbuildingclub. com to sign up and further enrich your journey with the Lord. Until next time, stay blessed and keep living on purpose in Christ.