I Will 3

Acts 9: 16 "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

This is a tough line. While it talks about this is for Paul, ( God talking to Barnabas on reaching out to Paul who was struck blind on road to Damascus), this is really how God speaks to us. He will show us how much we will suffer for His name. For some it becomes too much , no, they give up. Others, not too much .

The point, is that it is not given that we will live "nice pretty" lives . No matter who you are, life isn't easy.  We will suffer. It's a given. I know I have gotten caught up in a "nice" regular life, but then it all comes crashing down. Why?
I don't have the answer, I only know for myself it seems it becomes easier to "play" good than rather actually be what I made a committment to be.

I have heard the question (from myself and others) " This isn't fair" " I don't agree" " I think...."
I gave that all up at the water of baptism. In a broader view,  we give that up when we take oaths as Police, or Military or even at the wedding altar. Specially important for christians because when we commit to anything it is a committment to God and others. It won't be easy, it could be a battle literally for our lives.
Point is, we will suffer, we can suffer for ourselves in this life or for God.

Well, least we are warned. I'd rather suffer for God than for myself. Least I won't be alone.
 
1 Peter 4:16 "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

Matthew 28
¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
20.....And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I pray this made sense and is helpful or thought provoking.