We’re Entering A New Era In The United States, Where There Will Be A Cost To Following Jesus For those of us who call the United States home, we have—for the most part—lived a life of religious freedom. We have not had to fear for our health or our family as we have worshiped our Savior. All that is changing. Approximately 2,000 years ago, shortly after Jesus physically walked the roads of Jerusalem, Christians were already suffering for His Name. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, we are told how we should respond when the world attacks us for our faith. As Christians, we must expect sufferings (v. 12). Peter advises us to expect and anticipate suffering. It is unavoidable. We occasionally act like we should get a free pass because we’re Christians—even questioning God’s goodness when bad things happen—but God promised that difficulties would come our way. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” If God promised us that we’re going to go through hard times, we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens. We can rejoice when we go through trials (vv. 13-14). It sounds odd to say we can rejoice during suffering, but there are several reasons why we should: 1. First, we can rejoice because when we suffer we are identified with Christ. This is exactly what the disciples did in Acts 5:41: “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” 2. Second, we can rejoice because we share in https://harbingersdaily.com/were-entering-a-new-era-in-the-united-states-where-there-will-be-a-cost-to-following-jesus/