God never promised us that our lives as believers would be easy or without hardship and suffering. And the reality is the more we serve God faithfully, the more we open ourselves up for more persecution and potential ridicule for our views and beliefs. The apostles counted it a blessing to be flogged for their faith in Acts 5:41, The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. May we all strive to be counted worthy for our faith and obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.