Philippians 1:29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. NLT
Polycarp was a personal disciple of the Apostle John. As an old man, he was the bishop of the Church at Smyrna in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). He was a minister in the days when wicked Roman emperors persecuted the Christians. The people demanded his arrest so a band of captors was sent to him. Polycarp welcomed his captors and ordered that food and drink be served to them. He requested that they give him one hour to pray before taking him away but the prayers went on for two hours. His captors saw how nice he was even in the face of persecution so they sought for ways to exempt him from martyrdom.
When Polycarp was brought into the arena, the proconsul pled with him: "Curse Christ and I will release you". He replied by saying, "Eighty-six years I have served Him. He had never done me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who has saved me?" He was threatened severally so that he would renounce his faith in Jesus but he refused. Lastly, the proconsul threatened: "I will have you burned alive". His reply was, "You threaten fire that burns for an hour and is over. But the judgment on the ungodly is forever". As the fire was prepared, he prayed: "Father, I bless you that you have deemed me worthy of this day and hour, that I might take a portion of the martyrs in the cup of Christ. Among these may I today be welcome before thy face as a rich and acceptable sacrifice".
His prayer showed that he counted it a thing of honour to die for the cause of the gospel. Apostle Paul is telling us in the opening text to see suffering for Christ as a privilege. Yours may not be martyrdom but the nature of your calling and assignment may bring some level of discomfort, your stand against compromise because of your faith in Jesus may attract persecution. Do not be discouraged. You're only privileged. If you haven't been persecuted for your faith in Jesus after several years of being in the faith, your salvation is questionable.This is because the bible said, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution"(2 Tim3:12). If it hasn't come, expect it.
Father, I receive the grace to endure persecution for my faith in your holy son. I pray for persecuted believers around the world, may they see the glory ahead instead of the present suffering in Jesus name.