Real Suffering

A story in the church bulletin caught my eye this week. In Gabon, West Africa, three Christian men were set afire by demon worshipping villagers. They were taken to a hospital where they received skin grafts. After a month there, they walked into their village and were greeted by believers. They sang and danced in praise to the Lord for miraculously saving the three men. Anyone would completely understand if those three men didn’t want to go back to that village. Yet they did, and they were shining examples what God can do. 
The story made me think of a few questions:
What is the worst suffering I’ve ever done for Christ? (And my list doesn’t contain being burned.)Did I let God work through my suffering?Am I truly willing to let God work in my life the way He knows is best? As I continue to ponder this story, I am grateful for living where there is religious freedom and am reminded to pray for those in places where they are persecuted for their faith. I’m still mulling over these questions, but let me challenge you to think about the suffering for Christ you have done, are doing or are willing to do.