“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)
When people first come to Christ, it’s a common misconception that their lives will somehow become easier, or that at least their fears, anxieties and struggles would dissipate to some extent. In effect however, that’s rarely the case. With that Blessed renewal of our spirit, in some respects our lives can actually become more complicated as we strive to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The important thing to remember however is that trials in His name are in fact Blessings unto themselves; drawing us closer to His path, and bringing joy in the knowledge that He shares our struggles with us.
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Such a good point to make Phil – following Christ doesn’t necessarily mean an easier life; it often brings more trials. But the blessing comes in knowing that we are walking according to His Will, and that He is walking with us. In that, we find amazing peace, even in the midst of the storm.
I think this is why I find so much encouragement reading about people who spent their life following Christ in the Bible. Live was far from easy for them and yet I am inspired when I read of their faithfulness to cling to their Savior. He’s our only hope.
I hear people all of the time that just assume being a follower of Christ makes life all roses. Not true. We are simply better equipped to deal with what life throws at us. Great points.
Great post! This is something that I thought my Fellowship of Christian Athletes students at my school. We come under a lot of fire from some of the students and the community. Some of them wanted to lash out and fight back. However, I told them not to and that they should be happy to share in the suffering of Christ. I also told them that we must be doing something right to be persecuted that way, and to pray for those who persecuted them.