1 Peter 5:8-11

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

The cross before the crown. Suffering before glory. This is the normal, expected order of Christian life Christians have lived for thousands of years. 

I once heard the story of a brave brother in Christ, and I’m sorry I can’t track down the name for you. But as I remember it, this Christian brother was held in prison for proclaiming Jesus as King when the government of his country made such claims illegal. He was brought from his prison cell to an interrogation room and told to sign a confession that he no longer believed in God nor called Jesus his King. He replied, “I can’t, I’m held by chains”. So, the captain of the guard had his chains removed, and repeated his command to sign the confession and deny following Jesus. “I can’t, I’m held by chains,” the brother replied again. The captain said, “I’ve removed your chains! Sign the confession!”, and the Christian replied, “No, I’m a link in a chain of faithful Christians, who have followed Jesus no matter the cost, for generations and generations since Jesus was on earth. I cannot break this chain; I cannot sign your confession.” 
 
May we be so encouraged by those who followed in Jesus’ footsteps, even to suffering and death, and be encouraged that Jesus himself will restore us and make us strong, now, and one day perfectly in heaven. There are better things ahead than any we’ve left behind. 

Danae Woodward