I just read an article titled “Christianity Promises Suffering and Persecution: Here’s How to Prepare.”  The author Zane Pratt, of the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board, states that we “need to include the subject of suffering well in our immediate follow-up with new believers” and he gives eight biblical points which I want to pass on…

“Followers of Jesus should not be surprised or caught off guard by suffering (1 Peter 4:12).

They need to endure suffering without compromising their integrity (2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Peter 2:19).

They must love their persecutors and pray for their welfare (Matt. 5:43–47).

They are to renounce any intention to take revenge (Rom. 12:14–21).

They are to trust God in the middle of their suffering and respond by proactively doing good (1 Peter 4:19).

They are to use their experiences of suffering as a basis for comforting others who suffer (2 Cor. 1:3–7).

They are to fix their eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:1–3).

And they are commanded to rejoice. “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:13).”

The full article can be read here: https://www.imb.org/2017/03/28/suffering-persecution-prepare/