Chapter Five provided way too many quotes (in a wonderful way) that let me, and maybe many of you, think about reasons why we believe in what we do. Towards the middle of the chapter, Shusaku Endo relates a life application in the terms of suffering and spiritual growth, "If it is true that God is really loving and merciful, how do you explain the fact he gives so many trials and sufferings of all kinds to man on his way to Heaven?" Everyday we tend to encounter many obstacles to play roles into our daily walk with God. One's faith may be strong, but that doesn't mean we won't ever face a challenge. The quote Shusaku Endo provides us reminds me of 1 Peter 4:16, "But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!" Suffering for being a Christian isn't shameful. When Peter and the other apostles were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of God's approval of their work. Don't seek out suffering, and don't try to avoid it. Instead, keep on doing what is right regardless of the suffering your actions might bring. Suffering, in and of itself, is not a privilege. But when we suffer because we faithfully represent Christ, we know that our message and example are having an effect and that God considers us worthy to represent him.
Commented on Caroline and Luke's post
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