Suffering as a Christian

The past few months in Church we have been studying 1 Peter. Below is the passage we where studying today (NIV)

Dear 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. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Just wanted to know your feedback on this.

Our elder had read a letter out from a lady who is in prison because of her faith. The prison guards ask her everyday if her God is worth it and her reply is always yes.

I wonder as we get things easy here, would we have the courage to see our loved ones murdered for there faith or ourselves put in prison for our faith. I know some people think it will not be long till things are like that here in our own country.

What do you think?

I think we need to look at suffering and persecution separately sometimes.
We might not suffer in the way that others do, but persecution is getting to be more and more common here.
I get regular email news letter from CCON, and they have so many cases on their books, from teachers/doctors/nurses being sacked to churches having noise abatement orders slapped on them.
Persecution, it seems, is a growth industry in this country [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I totally agree Elaine, the Church I attend the young people have to be out for 10.30 because of the cars going in and out and the noise. The Church was there before the houses were built around them, it is so frustrating sometimes especially since the parents in these areas, send there own children there (non christian) on a Friday night for a few hours peace, which is great for the Church as they are planting a little seed with the kids.