What do you say to someone who is suffering because they are a Christian? Would you commiserate with them, or maybe encourage them to focus on the positive? The natural inclination of our hearts is to turn from pain and avoid what causes us trouble. We may even be tempted to pull away from Christ when our relationship with Him is the reason for our difficulties. When persecuted, Christians must learn to endure their suffering and even rejoice in it, by fixing their eyes on the glory of Christ’s return and trusting in God’s great salvation work. We are His elect children, foreknown by God before the foundation of the world. Not that we responded to God’s gracious offer and He simply saw it in advance and affirmed it, but that He chose to pour out His love upon us according to the kind intention of His will. When you are suffering as a Christian, remember that God chose these trials to strengthen your faith and demonstrate His saving work in you, so that your salvation will be evident.