Rejoicing in our suffeings

40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
(Acts 5:40-42 ESV)

As Americans today, suffering for the name of Christ is a thing which we are quite unfamiliar with. We have freedoms in this country which so many before and even now around the world have not had the privilege to enjoy. Although we may think that the petty things which we encounter here are persecution, in reality, they are merely inconveniences compared to what countless others have faced for the sake of the Gospel (Hebrews 11). How many of us could, like the apostles, truly rejoice in suffering?

In this wonderful passage here in Acts we see a great truth which, when understood right, will greatly encourage the Believer. To understand this we must ask the question, "How did the apostles rejoice in their suffering?". Here are a few points about suffering which may help us to answer that question.

1. Suffering is an honor.

In Acts 5 (above) the apostles rejoiced because they "were counted worthy to suffer." They it saw it as an honor to suffer physical harm for their Lord. Their suffering was a sign that they were approved by God.

5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering
(2 Thessalonians 1:5 ESV)

2. Through suffering, we become like Christ.

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
(Philippians 1:29 ESV)

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
(Philippians 3:10 ESV)

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
(1 Peter 2:21 ESV)

3. Suffering develops steadfastness.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
(James 1:2-4 ESV)

4. Suffering encourages boldness.

2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
(1 Thessalonians 2:2 ESV)

5. Suffering is the greatest tool in the furthering of the Gospel.

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
(Acts 11:19-21 ESV)

The early Christians were scattered because of the persecution they were facing in Jerusalem, ultimately resulting in the spreading of the Gospel. This is the story of the early Church and clearly recorded in the book of Acts. When Believers endured persecution and did not give up their faith it was a sign to those around them of the truth of their message.

6. Suffering is a sign that we belong to Christ.

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
(2 Timothy 2:3 ESV)

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
    if we deny him, he also will deny us;
 (2 Timothy 2:12 ESV)

7. We will receive future blessing for our suffering.

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
(1 Peter 3:14 ESV)

8. Suffering is a part of God's will for the Believer.

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
(1 Peter 4:19 ESV)

Throughout the history of the Church, persecution has been a normal part of being a Christian. The world despises the Gospel and hates those who believe it. I would highly encourage you to read a wonderfully encouraging, sobering, and humbling book called Foxe's Book of Martyrs. This is a history of the persecution of individuals throughout history and those who, like the apostles, were counted worthy to suffer - and ultimately be killed - for Christ. These were men and women of whom the world was not worthy. They were Saints of tremendous faith, love, conviction, and passion for their Lord. They realized the reality of the Gospel and were willing to do whatever it took to give that Good News to the world.

And so, I now ask the question, "Are you (am I) willing to rejoice in your (my) suffering?".

Lord,
Give us faithfulness and courage to suffer our persecutions with rejoicing. Give us steadfastness through our tribulations as we look to our future hope of our reward in heaven and in Christ. Count us WORTHY TO SUFFER for your sake and let our sufferings be a light of the Gospel to the world around us.