Questions and Answers | Suffering and Persecution
If we are walking with the Lord faithfully, should we expect severe trials that might take a personal toll on us?
We live in a fallen world that brings with it suffering and trials for all people (Job 3:17; Isa. 65:20). Both the faithful and the unfaithful experience the consequences of sin and the flaming arrows of the Evil One (Eph. 6:10–16).
But Jesus told His followers to expect trouble and persecution, resulting from their decision to follow Him (John 15:18–20; 16:33). While this answer may disappoint, we do know that, as God’s children, we can experience His peace, hope, and joy, even when we walk through difficult circumstances. We are promised that God is near to us in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1; Heb. 4:16). We are promised an eternal future where there will be no more pain and no more sorrow (Rev. 21:4). Times of suffering and persecution encourage us to say, “He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23) and “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
BY Dr. Eric C. Redmond
Dr. Eric C. Redmond serves as a professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and as associate pastor of adult ministries at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Ill. He is married to Pam and they have five children. He is the author of Say It! Celebrating Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition (Moody Publishers), Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's’ Questions about the Church (Crossway), a commentary on Jonah in the Christ-Centered Exposition Series (B&H Publishers), and a study guide on Ephesians in the Knowing the Bible series (Crossway).