Matthew 5:10-12 NLT, Mark 13:1-9 NLT, Romans 5:3-4 NLT, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6 NLT, Hebrews 12:1-12 NLT, James 1:3 NLT, James 1:12 NLT and 1 Peter 4:1-2 NLT

I think modern American Christianity has greatly missed the mark regarding its view of suffering as a Christian. We seem to slowly buy into this candy coated version of Christianity that expects God to protect us from hardship and provide all our needs (and wants), because we are His children. This is quite simply not what the Bible teaches. In fact, reading through the New Testament one can't help but notice that one very common theme is to ENDURE suffering for the sake of Christ. While the Bible records various miraculous accounts of God delivering His people from harm, this is not something we should EXPECT Him to do. One should not forget that with the exception of John, all the apostles are believed to be martyred for their faith. Note how Christians throughout history have constantly been the target of persecution and torture. The Bible clearly tells us that suffering is a part of being a Christian and that it plays a key role in our lives. Hear are just a FEW reasons I have noted from the Bible that demonstrate why God allows believers to endure hardship and suffering:

-Develops Endurance (Romans 5:3,4) (James 1:3)

-Tests our Faith/Separates the true believers from the fakes (James1:12) (Matthew 5:10, Mark 13:1-9)

-Helps us to reject our sinful desires in favor of doing God's will (1 Peter 4:1, 2)

- Suffering can be God disciplining a child he loves (Hebrews 12:1-12)

-Allows God to show His justice (2 Thessalonians 1:3-6)

With this in mind, I think believers should make sure to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for suffering. We should not be of the mind set that God will deliver us FROM the suffering but learn to be joyful in Christ THROUGH the suffering. .....and if God chooses to miraculously take us out of a painful situation AWESOME!! Suffering is no fun :) It is important to remember God's ultimate concern, is the condition of our heart, not our physical comfort.

(Read the book of Acts taking note of how the apostles endured suffering. Also take a look at Revelation 2 and 3 to see how the Churches are instructed to endure their suffering until Christ's Return )