The numbers are heartbreaking. In the past year, 4,761 Christians were killed because of their faith. Three thousand one hundred of those deaths happened in Nigeria. Right now, nearly 5,000 Christians are imprisoned around the world, many of them pastors, simply for preaching the Word of God. This is not far-off, outdated news. This is happening now. And it should affect how we read the Bible and live our lives. Because the truth is, while you may not face persecution in the form of prison or death, you will face suffering. And how we respond to it matters deeply.

The Fellowship of Suffering

In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus says something hard to hear: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” That’s not just a statement. It’s a command—rejoice and be glad. But how can we do that in the face of betrayal, insult, sickness, or even loss? It starts with a shift in attitude. A shift that sees suffering as fellowship with Jesus, not abandonment by Him.

Persecution Is a Promise and a Privilege

We often forget that suffering is not the exception in the Christian life—it’s part of the journey.

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed for his faith, wrote, “Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ. It is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called on to suffer.”
• The Apostle Paul, who was beheaded for his faith, wrote in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

These men didn’t just endure suffering—they embraced it as part of knowing Christ more deeply.

Is Your Heart Prepared for Persecution?

That’s the real question we need to ask. Not “Will I suffer?” but “Will I suffer well?” God is not surprised by our hardships. In fact, He wants to prepare us now so that we can endure later. When you hit hardship, when your reputation takes a hit, when you face rejection, will your heart default to bitterness—or to worship?

How to Suffer Well: Three Questions to Ask

Whenever you’re studying Scripture, these questions can anchor your heart in truth and prepare you for hardship.

1. Is There a Promise to Hold?

Jesus promises that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” That means right now, in this life, we live as citizens of His kingdom. And in eternity, we receive a full reward. Suffering now does not cancel the glory to come. It magnifies it.

2. Is There an Attitude to Change?

Jesus doesn’t just promise a reward. He tells us how to respond: “Rejoice and be glad.” That’s not denial. It’s defiance—refusing to let pain take the final word. Ask yourself: Do I view suffering as punishment—or as participation in the life of Christ? If you want a radical prayer to pray each morning, try this: “Holy Spirit, help me to suffer well today, if it comes.”

3. Is There a Command to Follow?

Yes—rejoice. You might not be imprisoned for your faith today. But if you are facing pain, hardship, betrayal, illness, or loss, the response Jesus invites is not despair—it’s praise. Worship is an act of war against the enemy’s lies.

Real-Life Example: Choosing Worship After Tragedy

When Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated in September of this year, his widow Erica made a choice. The memorial service for Charlie was filled not with speeches, but with worship. Millions watched as people gathered not to mourn with despair, but to sing with faith. Why? Because Charlie and Erica’s life had been one of daily worship, in both joy and difficulty. When the worst moment came, they chose to continue what they had always done: lift the name of Jesus.

Your Inconvenience Isn’t Suffering—But It’s a Start

It’s been honest. For many of us, suffering starts and ends with traffic, long lines, or a bad day at work. But inconvenience isn’t persecution. Still, even in those moments, we’re training our hearts. We’re shaping how we respond to frustration. And how we react to the small stuff will affect how we handle the big stuff. If red lights unravel us, what will real hardship do?

Closing Thought: Worship in the Waiting

Right now, many in our own church community are suffering. Members are facing serious diagnoses, enduring long battles with cancer, and struggling with loss. And do you know what most of them are asking us to do?

Pray.

Worship.

They are choosing to suffer well. As we close, I want to invite you to ask this life-shaping, straightforward question: Is my heart prepared to suffer well?

If not, today is the day to start preparing. The Holy Spirit is ready to help you. He is ready to form a heart in you that can endure. A heart that worships in the middle of the storm. So sit quietly for a moment. Close your eyes. Listen to the words of the song being sung over you. And as you do, ask Him: “Jesus, help me to suffer well. Help me to rejoice, even when it hurts.”