Suffering for the Lord: the Cost & Joy

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.

Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

Suffering for the Lord: the Cost & Joy

“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”— Philippians 1:29 (ESV)

Welcome back to In the Light of Truth, where we explore how the Word of God intersects with our real lives. We’re Ashton and Chris, part of Illuminate the Truth, a Christian bookstore in downtown Fargo, and today we’re opening up about something deeply personal and spiritually profound: suffering.

In this episode, we had an honest and emotional conversation about the pain, loss, and confusion that often accompany obedience to Christ—and how Scripture reshapes our understanding of suffering into something purposeful and even beautiful.

The Gift of Suffering for the Lord

When we read Philippians 1:29, we’re reminded that belief in Christ and suffering for Him are both gracious gifts. The Greek word for “granted” actually means “gift.” That shook us—suffering isn’t punishment, but a privilege.

To believe in Christ is to be united with Him—not only in His resurrection but also in His suffering.

It’s humbling to realize that suffering is not something God reluctantly allows. It’s something He lovingly and intentionally uses to make us more like Jesus. We don’t always see it that way, especially in the moment—but that truth gives meaning to the pain.

Real Suffering, Real Encouragement

As we recorded this episode, we were both in seasons of loss—of friendships, relationships, and parts of our old lives. We laughed at times because it’s surreal how clearly Scripture speaks to our situations. And we cried, too, because it’s real.

Obedience has cost us things the world holds dear. But we’ve learned this: nothing you lose for Christ compares to what you gain in Him.

We shared our stories of rejection, spiritual warfare, and walking away from relationships that were not aligned with a Christ-centered life. It’s incredibly difficult, especially when it involves people you love deeply. Yet even then, we’ve seen the fruit—how God is refining us, softening our hearts, and changing our responses in ways only His Spirit could do.

Suffering With Purpose

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”— Romans 5:3–4

Through teachings like this and ones from voices like Chuck Missler, we’re beginning to see suffering as a path to hope. Not because the pain disappears, but because God is growing us through it.

Whether your suffering comes from loss, loneliness, or spiritual warfare, when it’s for Christ, it’s never wasted. God is not punishing you—He’s purifying you. He’s not abandoning you—He’s with you in it. Always.

Practical Encouragement

If you’re in a season of suffering—especially if it’s because you’re choosing obedience over comfort—please know this:

• You’re not alone.

• It’s not meaningless.

• God sees it all and is working in ways you may not see yet.

  
  

We’re walking this path too. Sometimes in tears, sometimes with praise—but always with hope. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, remember this truth: God knows exactly what you can bear. His love is fierce, intentional, and faithful.

We often tell ourselves, “I can’t take another step.” But with Him, somehow—we do. That’s grace.

You’re Invited Into the Light

At Illuminate the Truth, we believe in building real, Christ-centered community. If this episode encouraged you, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out for prayer, share your story, or just let us know how God is speaking to you through your own suffering.

Let’s keep growing—together—in the light of truth.

“There is joy in knowing that nothing you lose for Christ will compare with what you gain in Him.”

With love and in truth, Ashton & Chris

🎧 Listen to Episode 4: "Suffering for the Lord—The Joy and the Cost" on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hnYseQdRf9B0RI7MuxGK2?si=9w9j0lx8Qr-Kh1s2MyHMuw

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