Gladly Enduring

The Kingdom-focused Church gladly endures suffering. I don't know if I would use the word, "gladly" as it refers to enduring suffering. I know suffering is part of life and I cannot escape it, but honestly, to gladly endure, requires more than I have to give. While I would like to be that person, I am not.

Acts 8:1 (NIV)
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

The story of Stephen, whom we look to as the first martyr for Christianity, is beautiful to hear. His eloquent words of testimony are gripping (Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin), his subsequent death by stoning is awful and stunning at the same time.

I know, there are Christians in the world now, who are suffering for their beliefs, and who are willing to die for them. I'd like to say I am also willing, so I pray for faith this strong and enduring.

Acts 8:4 (NIV)
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

But, as I have been learning, faith comes from the trials and hardships we encounter on this journey called life. Every time I am knocked down, it takes strength, faith, to get back up again. Each time I do, I am stronger and more able to withstand the next onslaught.

I pray that one day I will be able to say, “I will endure suffering gladly”.
Acts 8:1-6