Hanging in there...yeah, I know - who wants to talk about suffering? Paul felt compelled to explain to the Philippian church that it is a part of the deal. He was going through it, they would go through it - and we go through it. I read a book once containing story after story of Christian martyrs through the centuries - horrendous physical anguish, death. The thing that amazed me about each of the stories was the strength of conviction each one displayed at 'the moment' he or she needed it. That may be what Paul is talking about in verse 28 of chapter 1 when he writes, "you will be saved - and that by God." Suffering is a frequently visited topic - don't you love that God doesn't pull any punches with us, lays it all out? - in Scriptures. Jesus pointed out that we should expect it (Matthew 10:22, John 16:33).

So how do we deal with it? I like to look at the up side of things generally, but suffering isn't good on any level - or is it? One thing I've observed many times is that when things are going badly, our relationship with God gets very important, true? Perhaps suffering's 'up side' is that we get back to our 'first love.' We're talking to Him more, pouring over His Word more, meditating on Him more. I know that this is what God wants most from us - this intimacy.

Suffering could also be a true identifier of a Christ-follower. (I guess you could be labeled a nut-case, too - but God knows our hearts!) 1 Peter 4:14 says we are blessed if we are reproached for the name of Christ, because His glory rests on us. Romans 8:17 identifies us as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if we share in His sufferings. Sounds more like an honor than a problem. I don't think God intends that we 'prove' our devotion to Him by getting ourselves burned at the stake (that would be the nut-case scenario), but He does expect us to follow Christ. Even Jesus' family thought He was a nut-case!

• Have you ever been ostracized or penalized because of a stand you took on your path of following Christ?

I guess the most beautiful part about suffering is the promise God makes regarding it. Romans 8:18 talks about a 'glory that will be revealed in us.' For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17) I like that one. It reminds us to keep these trials in perspective, and keep our eyes on the prize.

Ok, I've inflicted enough suffering by all this rambling - hope it helped you, if you are enduring something hard for Christ's sake right now. If you are, get closer to the One Who Saves.

I would be encouraged to read your ideas of any or all of this - you are welcome to comment!