Portraits of Grace

John MacArthur: This is John MacArthur with more Portraits of Grace. Are you committed to follow Jesus no matter the cost? That's a question you need to continually ask yourself because Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."

Receiving persecution from the world because you're Christ's representative means that you have an opportunity to experience what Paul called "the fellowship of his sufferings." Christian suffering is the very means God uses to transform us into the image of His Son.

Troubles and trials we share with Christ, and they themselves can be great reassurances that we belong to Christ. What should your response be to your trials? Don't be indifferent or accommodating to the challenges you face, but confess your complacency, your compromise toward the world, thank God for the resolution to stand firm, and trust Him to make the most out of every trial.