1st Peter 1:1-2 There are many forms of suffering the people of God have been called to endure in their lives as pilgrims and strangers passing through the world on our way to heaven. Physical abuse usually gets the most attention because it is not only experienced by the sufferer but is observed by those who look on as those opposed to the Gospel of God vent their animosity on those who represent God in a godless world. The suffering of saints who experience the suffering caused by disease is often not able to be explained, nor entered in by those who look on with sympathy. Being ostracized by peers and/or workmates places one in a position of loneliness and the object of scorn which creates a suffering that is unseen by anyone, but is real and often misunderstood. Persecution that comes when one will not enter into the activities of the majority, or is active in that which is not popular because it demonstrates holiness in life, is to be expected by those who live godly lives.
Suffering is often the cause of temptation because the pressures of our flesh and emotions appeal to our sinful nature to find relief. Early Christians suffered and were abused because they were saved by grace, acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and followed Him. They were committed to the Gospel message and met together as believers to carry out the commands of the Lord as assemblies of Christians. As the Gospel prospered and spread through the Roman Empire and beyond, persecution followed bring suffering to many.
Today believers in many parts of the world are suffering for their faith in Christ when they turn to the Lord from man- made religions, and even when they turn from "Christian religions" that teach the works of mankind for salvation, the doctrine of salvation by grace alone because of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf.
Peter had experienced this himself. He had seen others saved through his preaching of the Gospel. He had been threatened, and imprisoned. Many who the Lord saved through his efforts had not only suffered because of their faith in Christ, but they had been killed. This can be harder on those who have preached the Gospel than if they experienced the difficulties themselves. In fulfilling the commission the Lord gave, we not only present the need of repentance to God for sin and the truth of salvation given to us by God when we trust the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, we also interfere enough in other people's lives that they are turned from "darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Evidence of the new birth is seen in changed lives.
When we know Christ personally and listen to His word by reading the scriptures, our confidence remains even though the suffering continues. In this day in which we live these same pressures continue, but faith, loyalty to our Lord, love for others, the comfort of the Spirit and hope remain unmoved. The pressures of opposition and suffering because of our faith do not have the power to take away our joy and patience when they happen. The result of trials are actually approved by God, not necessarily the process.