Phil1:29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. GNT
A preacher once said that as a believer, you must not suffer but I disagree. When we talk about 'Christian suffering', we aren't talking about suffering as a law-breaker nor suffering for the things that Christ paid for. When we preach suffering, we mean suffering for the cause of the gospel or for the sake of our stand in what we believe.
For example, If you decline a job offer because you are requested to compromise your faith in the area of sex or altering of age, the time that you're jobless and in lack is a period of suffering for Christ because of what you stand for. If you are under persecution for standing firm in righteousness, that's a just suffering.
God uses suffering to prune us and perfect our faith. We may even suffer for obeying uncommon instructions from the Lord especially when he is taking us out of our comfort zone. Dearest, it won't last forever, it is part of our training for a brighter future in God.
Heb5:8 made It clear that even Jesus our Lord learnt obedience through what he suffered, so you and I can't be exception.
- Father, help me to endure till the end In Jesus Name.