How many of you received a message of blessing, comfort and prosperity growing up? Then this passage of Scripture probably wasn’t preached in your church. Following Jesus means following in His footsteps. Not just the miracles and parties, teaching and preaching parts.
Jesus was talked about behind His back, persecuted, tricked (unsuccessfully), betrayed, abused, beaten and killed for our sakes and for us to even experience salvation and the Kingdom of God.
We are called to suffer for doing what’s good and right. Not because we deserve it, but because people will see what we go through and how we endure it and give God glory. They will see us act with grace, peace, mercy and love instead of hatred, rage and entitlement and they will wonder where that inner strength and peace come from… That’s the purpose, to bring glory to God.