1 Peter 2:21
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
The believer in Christ is called to many things - called to be holy and separate unto God, to be saved, to do the work of the ministry, to be blessed and prosper and so on. But many are not aware that they are also called to suffer. No one loves the sound of the word 'suffering' because of the pain and anguish but our walk with Jesus is incomplete if we don't partake of His suffering. Suffering with him and for the sake of the gospel is a part of our salvation experience. In fact, if we are His disciples and are truly following His steps, then we cannot exclude suffering from our life journey. The gospel of prosperity cannot undermine the reality of Christ's suffering. It is a truth that He had to endure persecution, injustice and even death for us to enjoy the benefits of salvation. Our willingness to endure hardship as a soldier of Christ is a means of identifying with Him. If we will reign with Jesus, it is a must to endure whatever form of suffering will come our way be it persecution, injustice, loss or affliction (2 Timothy 2:12). As true followers of Christ, we should emulate the attitude of Peter and John who saw it as a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ and for the furtherance of the gospel. Instead of wishing away suffering, we should see it as a way of identifying with Jesus and persevering.
Joshua 3:8
And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
Joshua 2:21
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
1 John 3:24
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Isaiah 1:19
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.