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For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. --- Philippians 1:29 NLT Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. We do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Yet when we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example affect us and others for good (see Acts 5:41 below). Suffering has these additional benefits: (1) It takes our eyes off of earthly comforts; (2) it weeds out superficial believers; (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endured; (4) it serves as an example to others who may follow us. When we suffer for our faith, it doesn’t mean that we have done something wrong. In fact, the opposite is often true---it verifies that we have been faithful. Use suffering to build your character. Don’t resent it or let it tear you down. --- Life Application Study Bible notes Acts 5:41 NLT So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Have you ever thought of persecution as a blessing, as something worth rejoicing about? This beating suffered by Peter and John was the first time any of the apostles had been physically abused for their faith. These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised God that he had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord. If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it isn’t because you’re doing something wrong but because God has counted you “worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” --- Life Application Study Bible notes My thoughts on this: Think about this, these men were beating yet they praised God that he allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord. How many of us would leave a beating praising God that he allowed it to happen? Christians around the world have suffered and died for Christ since Peter and John took this beating but here in the United States Christians have had it pretty easy. Times are going to get rough for Christians around the world and we need to be prepared to suffer for Jesus and like Jesus. Now is the time to be getting into the Word and growing strong roots in the Lord. When the storm comes those that don’t have strong roots will stand a good chance of getting blown over by the storm and not surviving the storm. Those with strong roots will stand strong in the storm.