Most people are familiar with the phrase “just speak it into existence” or its remixed version “I’m manifesting it”. These are phrases many Christians use to “claim their blessing” promised to us in the bible. But one thing I don’t hear people claiming is suffering, which is also one of the things promised to us in the bible.

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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 8:16-17 (ESV)

As Christians we are followers of Christ and it’s interesting how most of us want Christ’s glory without His suffering. Christ Himself had to suffer so who are we to think we wouldn’t have to endure some form of hardship but before we proceed, let’s investigate what it means to suffer for the sake of the gospel.

Suffering for the sake of the gospel is to be expected because we live in a world that doesn’t understand the things of the Spirit so obviously not everyone will believe and not everyone will be accommodating to us. As a result, we might lose friendships, relationships, jobs, opportunities, money and more in order for us to keep our faith and be in right standing with God. Suffering for the sake of the gospel also means we inconvenience ourselves in different ways like cutting out habits everyone around you is doing but is detrimental to your spiritual walk, waking up a little earlier to pray and spend time in God’s presence, fasting, going on solo retreats, and more.

If we are going to call ourselves co-heirs with Christ and share in His glory, we should look forward to sharing in His suffering as well. We can’t go around claiming blessings when we haven’t done the required work for it. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you. ~ 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

Suffering will look different for everyone, but we have the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth and strengthens us when we need it. As we walk with Him and accept our part in suffering for the gospel, I know He will help us grow 2gether. Grace and Peace 🙂