We are often told that prosperity and success are signs that we are in God's will and this is you are close to Christ you shall have carts full of blessings. This prosperity doctrine prepares people to believe that following Jesus means joy unending; and they are right about the joy. But the success a true servant of Christ has is subjective; before the Lord it is success, but to many, even those in churches it will not look like success.
The truth is that path to a closer relationship with Christ and the community of Christians is not prosperity but adversity. Not success, but suffering. It is in suffering that we come to know God's suffering better and are able to connect to others who suffer. Suffering is what every person on this planet has in common. It is thus my contention that if we all can fellowship suffering that is will lead us to God who suffered the most; Jesus Christ crucified. Honestly, only Jesus Christ fellowships in our sufferings. It says, "For because He himself suffered temptation, He is able to help those being tempted," and "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source." (Hebrews 2:18, 10-11).
We often respond to the prospect of suffering with a shake of the head and solid, "no thank you." But suffering is the sure way to serious relationship with Jesus and with everyone else. Prosperity or should I say worldly prosperity and success seduce us away from hardships that will help us become closer to our Lord. I am not saying intentionally suffer, but if God brings suffering to you when you pray, "Lord I want to know you more deeply and be closer to you," do not be surprised if the answer is suffering. Sometimes our selfish natures, source of comfort, and other serene joys can numb us into slumber.
When you finally realize suffering is the way to deeper walk with the Savior and to be closer to your neighbor, it won't be suffering anyone. Rather you will see it as sanctifying process that will help you go deeper. As believers we have been dependent on the doctrine of prosperity. We think if we follow Christ we shall have continual happiness, joy, and peace. Yes we will, but in the midst of storms, trials, and tribulations. Jesus did not sugar coat what is would mean to follow Him, He said, "If anyone wants to be my disciple, let them deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow me." (). He then promised the following,
"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22)
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (Matthew 24:9)
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me." (John 15:18-19, 21)
"They will put you out of the synagogue (in our day church?); in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God." (John 16:2)
"And everyone will hate you because you are my followers." (Luke 21:17)
Some may be tempted to say this was for the First Century Church. But I say to you have you watched the News? Have you heard of what is happening in Iraq? With ISIS? Have you heard of the Christian massacres? This is not just a First Century prophecy, it is applies to our times as well. In fact the Matthew 24:9 verse is in a chapter where Jesus is talking about the Last Days.
We should delight in suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are three Bible verses:
"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." (Matthew 5:11)
"choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.." (Hebrews 11:25)
"Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." (Colossians 1:24)
"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him." (Philippians 1:29)
"The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus." (Acts 5:41)
"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:16)
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (1 Peter 4:14)
"and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:17)
"and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort." (2 Corinth 11:23)
"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;" (Philippians 3:10)
"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." (1 Peter 5:10)
"Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Suffering is success. It produces the fruit, not sinful pleasures. Are you suffering for Christ? Are you ready to suffer for Christ? If you are, then be comforted by the Bible verses above. If you aren't suffering, then get ready. It is coming and it should not be an object of dread but of joy! For in suffering we grow in love, care, patience, perseverance, and other virtues. Suffering really is not horrible, if we open our eyes and heart, we will see it is a sign of growing closer to God.
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