I have been pondering… What does it truly mean to follow Christ? When we think about walking with Jesus, we usually picture peace, joy, and eternal hope—and rightfully so. But there’s another side to His invitation, one that challenges our understanding of what it means to live and serve Him. Jesus clearly said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) This verse reminds us that following Christ isn’t about finding the easiest or safest path. Instead, it’s a call to embrace His cross—a life of humble surrender, sacrifice, and, yes, even suffering.
Jesus walked the path before us. He willingly embraced suffering for our salvation, enduring rejection, humiliation, and intense physical pain. Isaiah prophetically described His suffering like this:
“He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.”Isaiah 53:5
Jesus did not turn away from the agony that birthed our salvation. He understood clearly that suffering was central to completing His mission. And we, as His followers, are asked to walk the same road, embracing His example.
In the western world we’ve lived so long in safety that we’ve come to see persecution as something far away, happening only in distant lands. But the Bible never promised believers a comfortable, trouble-free journey. In fact, Paul told Timothy plainly, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) It feels like we’ve forgotten that being misunderstood, falsely accused, or even physically harmed is not abnormal. It was the experience of our Lord and countless believers who have followed Him throughout history. Jesus Himself prepared us for this reality:
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you…”
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
John 15:18, 20
When we and our field workers face challenges—emotional exhaustion, physical hardships, mental pressures—it’s right for us to offer support, compassion, and practical help. The Bible clearly instructs us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Yet, perhaps we’ve sometimes overlooked the spiritual truth that suffering itself is part of what it means to bear the cross. Of course, we are not called to recklessly seek pain or persecution. Jesus Himself advised His followers to flee to another city when persecution arises. (Matthew 10:23) And even as we run, the gospel spreads further, carried by those willing to suffer for its sake.
What is crucial is our perspective. The goal is not avoiding all pain or difficulty, but faithfully carrying our cross for the sake of the gospel. Paul boldly declared, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Let’s thoughtfully reflect: If we’re truly following a crucified Savior, isn’t some measure of suffering and sacrifice normal rather than abnormal? What’s the difference, really, between emotional or mental struggles and physical persecution? Aren’t they all part of the same cross-bearing journey that Christ Himself endured? I think so.
Let us prayerfully consider our own hearts and attitudes. As we support each other and our missionaries, may we do so with compassion, prayer, and encouragement, recognizing that the path of following Jesus inevitably includes hardship. And let’s remind each other that, like Christ, our greatest victories for the Kingdom often come through and even after our deepest valleys.
In this spirit, let’s faithfully embrace our calling, remembering Christ’s promise:
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”
Matthew 5:11-12
May God give us grace, wisdom, and strength as we walk together in the steps of our crucified and risen Lord.
— Harold R. Troyer