Sion Alford

“I want to clear up any misunderstanding about suffering in the kingdom of God. Suffering for Jesus has been wrongly associated with things such as cancer, tragic events, and the like. I don't believe this is the type of suffering God called us to endure. These things happen and God can work for good in such events, but the true biblical suffering to which Paul refers (Romans 5:3-4) is different. Godly suffering involves one key critical ingredient - a heart willing to do the will of God no matter the consequences. If you do the will of God, you will suffer. That is biblical suffering. The other things I mentioned are a result of a fallen world caused by human sin. However, the biblical suffering that leads to character and hope is caused by our obedience to God's will.”
― Sion Alford