There are only two things that God wants us to do today: (1) to be saved, and (2) to come to a knowledge of the truth, [which is the written Word of God]. We are informed of this in 1Tim.2:4.
Although various afflictions and sufferings can come at any time as a believer stands up for their faith in a faith-hostile environment, the predominant form of affliction and suffering we learn of in scripture is concerning a mature believer who has grown up in the faith and doctrine. It is not common for young believers to have matured in the faith to readily suffer for the Lord, and even more so to give thanks to God and count it joy to suffer for His name.
The point I’m attempting to make is that suffering for the Lord is something that comes not by one’s willpower or choice, but more by circumstance or happenstance. Suffering comes to you if your faith is strong and is evident in the world. The world hated Christ, and it will do the same to you if Christ is evident in you. It is this very suffering for your faith that, although unpleasant and a burden in this world, proves one's faith, strengthens one within the faith, and reaps reward and glory in the ages to come.
It is not that God wants you to suffer, but He does want you to grow in Christ. It is when your faith and commitment to God becomes stronger than your flesh, that afflictions and sufferings come knocking at the door. According to Paul this builds character and is of great value in the context of faith.
Here are a few verses from Paul’s pen that portray the true nature and circumstance of suffering. It is your commitment and obedience to God and His word that will cause the world to rear up against you. Suffering is a clear gauge that your faith is growing in the right direction.
Rom_8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom_8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2Co_4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Ti_2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
2Ti_1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
2Ti_3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
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