Sometimes pain is good

In triathlon training, we have a saying:

"Good pain is good"

In order for us to become faster, we have to push it. And often the case, it hurts. I can recall the numerous hill repeats I have done. And every time it hurts. I use to think that I train hard and suffer so that I don't suffer on race day. That was working when I just race to finish.

When it comes to racing for personal best, I realize that the 'suffering' never goes away. I come to come to an acceptance that I train to suffer so I can suffer more on race day. Whether it is a short distance or a long distance, I will be suffering out there.

And this is hugely un-comforting (duh). Just like working out, we need to feel the pain so that we can become stronger, I often this is the same case as being a Christian.

Today, I am reminded by this post that sometimes as Christian, we have to suffer for Christ. This is another duh (big DUH [emphasize with CAPS]). How often do I wonder how come it is so hard to become a Christian, to abstain from sin, to pursuit God did I have to remind myself, Jesus never say it is easy.

Recall the numerous passages where Jesus talks about the Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 5:11, Luke 14:26-27) , well it costs something.

In 1 Peter, Peter addresses Christians that are getting persecuted because of their alliance with Christ. In 1 Peter 4:12-13, it says:

¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

So I am sitting here wondering, am I suffering for Christ? What's my cost of discipleship?

I was having a discussion with a few Christian brothers and 'suffering' tend to be work and over-work. Is this what suffering in today's context consist of?

The 'trials' that I go through is pale in comparison of the first century Christians and some Christians living in persecuted regions. I mean, being look down upon for being a Christian is almost minute to my brothers and sisters that are being arrested, beaten and/or tortured.

I have to remind myself that on the journey with Christ, sometimes it does hurt and that's ok. Jesus bear the cross and He suffered for our sake. I don't see why as a disciple I should be exclude from this suffering. Besides, good pain is good.