THE BLESSINGS ASSOCIATED WITH SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST – Apostle Yvan CASTANOU

The Blessings Associated with Suffering for Christ

It will happen! It will happen! I came to warn you this morning: if you have said YES to Jesus, if you have chosen to follow Him with sincerity and integrity, there will be resistance, there will be attacks, and there will be persecution. This is not an option; it is a certainty:

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Do not be deceived—authentic Christian life is not a smooth journey. But listen carefully: suffering for Christ is a blessing because it prepares a glory that nothing and no one can take away from us.

The World Will Not Accept You

The world will hate you, not because you are bad, arrogant, or unbearable, but because Jesus said:

If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world… the world hates you. (John 15:19)

So do not be surprised, do not fall into misunderstanding, do not start complaining, but stand firm, unshakable, solid! Because the one who endures for Christ will reign with Him.

If we suffer, we will also reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12)

Accepting Jesus is not just receiving salvation. Accepting Jesus means engaging in a spiritual battle where the enemy will do everything to intimidate you and make you retreat. Are you ready to suffer for Christ?

Suffering for Christ Is Inevitable but Fruitful

The real question this morning is not “Will I suffer for Christ?” but rather “Am I ready to pay the price without abandoning my faith?” The Apostle Paul made it clear:

Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)

In other words, there will be turbulence, there will be battles, there will be waves trying to overthrow us. But in the midst of the storms, a reward awaits us.

Look closely—when you walk with God:

Some will reject you
Others will mock you
At times, you will be sidelined at work
At school, in your family, you might be the one people laugh at

Because you have chosen to walk in holiness, because you refuse to lie, cheat, or engage in corruption.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Do not expect to be applauded, do not seek to be accepted by everyone. The world does not applaud the light; it fights it! Whoever wants to live for God must be ready to endure criticism, misunderstandings, and unjust accusations.

But, beloved, there is something incredible: the more the fire of persecution tries to extinguish us, the more the Spirit of God strengthens us!

The Hidden Blessings Behind Suffering for Christ

The devil wants you to believe that suffering for Jesus is a curse, that it is shameful. But listen carefully: it is an honor.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:17)

Suffering for Christ is bearing a mark that only those who belong to Him can carry.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (Acts 5:41)

Do you know why some Christians are weak, easily shaken, and inconsistent? Because they refuse the trial.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

How Should We React When Persecuted?

Do not be surprised. Stop lamenting and acting shocked as if you did not expect it. Jesus said:

In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Rejoice! What the enemy does against you is not a problem—it is an opportunity for the glory of God. Jesus said:

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:12)
Pray with perseverance. When the Church is attacked, the solution is neither in complaining nor in fear. It is in fervent, constant, and corporate prayer!

Let Us Pray Together

Lord, today I choose to embrace this truth with joy and determination. I refuse to be a lukewarm Christian; I refuse to be unstable. I want to live a life fully dedicated to You, no matter the cost. Strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit, make me unshakable in the face of attacks and injustices. May my faith remain firm and constant, and may I find my strength in You alone. I give glory to God for the hidden blessing behind every suffering I will endure for You. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen!