1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Suffering in this world is one of the most common experiences humans have in common. We all have bumps and bruises. We suffer from disease and experience loss. But being a Christian there is a deeper suffering we experience. Persecution for the faith we share is the only acceptable form of payment the world knows. Sure, some of it is small like being called names or excluded from groups. But there is real persecution in many places around the world up to martyrdom.

Peter wrote the words above because of his walk with Christ and the persecution he experienced and witnessed. We are to gird up our minds; this means to mentally prepare for what is ahead on our spiritual journey. Be sober minded or to think clearly about what this journey could cost us. But doing this we are to put our hope fully upon the grace of Jesus Christ. We do this because of the love He showed us as He came to this world and suffered the penalty for sin we deserved.

Luke 14:31 “Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?” We are outnumbered here on earth. More choose sin and fleshly living than to walk the narrow road to Jesus. Therefore, persecution will occur to us and our Christian brethren. Are you prepared to walk this road?