The Privilege of Suffering?

But then, I read the Scripture again, and this time, I focused on one word:  privilege.  According to Merriam-Webster, privilege means:

1. a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor: prerogative
2. especially: such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office

One of the synonyms of privilege is actually the word “honor.”  As a daughter of the Most High God, I have the honor, the right, and the benefit of trusting in a God Who I know will always show up for me.  Even when I feel like I’m at the end of my proverbial rope, I know that God is right there with and for me.  I can trust God always.  That sits well with all of us, right?

But, then as we keep reading, here comes that second part of the verse.  We also have the privilege of suffering for Him.  Let’s be honest again; no one wants to suffer, but the Scripture says that the suffering is for Him.  Romans 8:17 (NLT) says it this way:

And since we are His children, we are His heirs.  In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.  But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.