Even though Lord Jesus Christ is 100% God, as 100% man, He endured hardships, persecution, rejection and suffering in His earthly ministry. As followers of Christ, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow His Cross daily.
The early Christians faced persecutions and hardships because of their faith in Christ. Disciples were stoned, beheaded, boiled, flayed, burned, slain and so on… because of preaching gospel and standing up for Christ. They endured it through them all and rejoiced in their hardships, looking at the greater reward in heaven.
Acknowledging that the hardships are normal in a Christian life, may we imitate Christ, desire to live a godly life in Him and fight a good fight of faith. May we be partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, we may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:13