Our Scripture reading today is 2 Timothy 1:8-10.
Verse 8, "...be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God."
The Apostle Paul is writing to his disciple, Timothy. The challenge is given to Timothy to be willing to suffer for the gospels sake. The phrase partaker of the afflictions is translated from a Greek word that means to suffer hardships together. We know from Scripture that the Apostle Paul suffered hardships. 2 Corinthians 11:24-25, "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned..."
While the Gospel is not going to be received by everyone, it is STILL the power of God unto salvation. In fact the preaching of the Gospel has been and always will be met with resistance and persecution. While we may not be able to relate to the afflictions of the Gospel, I believe they not far on the horizon. As Timothy, was encouraged so are we. The power of God enables us to stand in the time of affliction.