We all do, but not like some.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, ….”
That was in Paul’s letter to Timothy. Suffering for the gospel ACCORDING TO THE POWER OF GOD, “who has saves us and called us with a holy calling, ….” That is power, God chose to save us and call us to holiness! “not according to our works, ….” We can take no credit for what He has done. It was not according to what we deserved, “but according to His purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, ….” Wow! Eternal life was granted to us in Christ Jesus from the beginning.
“but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:8-10) That is the good news! “Life and immortality.”
We were just roaming around, doing what we do, until God called. He purposed our salvation before we were born. Good thing too, we were helpless when it came to death. Because of Christ Jesus we now have the hope of resurrection. With this in mind, let us be grateful and happy. No matter what we are going through, if our suffering is for the gospel, so be it. We are going to live forever.
Besides, how many of us really suffer for the gospel? Disrespected, ridiculed, mocked, slandered, censored , avoided? Ok, maybe, to one degree or another, but most of us who are able to read this have been spared serious persecution. This too is according to the power of God. Those who are safe have the time and the freedom to share this good news. It is a “holy calling” to be called to shed the light of the gospel. We have been placed in the midst of those who are just roaming around, doing what they do.
His Family Table 