Revelation 1-4

Revelation 1:9

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

I have very little idea what true suffering is like. Sure I've had a few traumatic events in my life. Isn't that just "life" anyway? But to really suffer has not been one of my experiences, (Not that I'm complaining.), let alone to have to suffer for my faith.

But how does one really suffer for their faith? How do I discern the difference between having to suffer for my faith, for standing for righteousness in how I live or even for speaking the Word of God, and doing something that causes me to suffer because it was just plain stupid or defending a cause rather than Jesus? Is there a difference? I bet if you asked Fred Phelps, he'd say he's suffering for his faith. Or want about something more mainstream like somebody getting arrested in an abortion protest. Here's John on Patmos, suffering because of his testimony.

I'll have to ponder this a bit. Yes, I need to live out my faith and try to ignore the consequences doing that might cause me in this world. But Christianity isn't just a passive, defensive faith. I need to also be able to hear God's voice when He's putting me in on the offense to make forays into enemy territory. But the key is in making sure He is the one putting me in and calling the play.