There is not one of us who does not desire peace, joy, goodness, health, safety, freedom and rights – and desire those for our kids and loved ones. But when we set into following God, we start doing, talking, and living differently. We start taking issue with our old ways and the ways of those around us not saved. And when we don’t do or agree with them, they take offense. They see the faithful Christian as intolerant, stiff, disagreeable, not loving, not a team player, and/or contrary to unity. They see the person living in harmony with God’s will as offensive and sometimes as even being evil. When walking closely with Jesus, the attacks and wrath Jesus experienced will likewise come on those who follow Him (John 15:19, because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.). Here are some passages instructing us to prepare for suffering and how God might be using suffering in our lives.
I Peter 4:1-2, Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. “Therefore” takes us back to 3:18, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God
I Peter 4:3-4, For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
II Timothy 3:12, Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
I Peter 4:12-14, Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
…16, Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
…19, Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Matthew 5:11-12, Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,
James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing
Romans 5:3-5, We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint,
Psalm 78:32-35, In spite of this they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works. Therefore, their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear. When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer.
Psalm 119:71, It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
II Corinthians 12:7-10, And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Hebrews 12:2, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
a PK Musing 
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