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I have personally found that God often will ask you to do something for Him that has a very personal cost. If you look at the path God has chosen ahead, from your own point of view, it often looks like you shouldn't take that path or it would be stupid to do so. God asks you to walk by faith and not by sight i.e. don't look at what seems obvious in front of you but trust God that His way even though it looks or feels wrong is what He wants you to do. This involves trusting Him that He knows best for you but a whole lots of anxiety and heartache can be involved in your decision to follow His way and it often has a cost to you for following that way e.g. it may feel like you are going against your better judgement. This is what I have personally found it means to suffer for Christ.
I believe that to suffer for Christ is to simply die to yourself, and to the appetite of our sinful desires. In this world, you and I are going to be tempted to the desires and pleasures of this world. And what is the condition of this world now, but sinful desires through the media and television. One must be careful how to walk and conduct ourselves not only in public, but also in the most secret place, which really is no secret if God is everywhere. To suffer for Christ is not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God unto salvation. Jesus said; If anyone comes to me, he must deny himself, take up your cross DAILY and follow me. Mathew 16:24
To suffer for Christ is to be a Soldier for Christ! God tells us that "we will suffer for His namesake; many trials and tribulations for we are in battle with the adversary, for we are the very righteousness of God and at enmity with Satan." We are to "stand strong in face of adversity from the many wiles of the devil that will come our way!" Be assured! You will be tested in your faith! But, find comfort in the words of The Apostle Paul to "fight the good fight; to press on by faith and endurance to the finish line!" God wants us to "be a Soldier whom goes to battle for, IN and unto the Lord and our blessed Redeemer unto Eternal Salvation IN the very name of Jesus Christ!(Your rewards will be many in Heaven!) "Praise God that He provided a Savior! And, His name is Jesus Christ"! ~~~Andy~~~
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