"That I may know him, in the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." Philipians 3:10
How many of us are willing (or think we are willing) to die a fiery death for the Lord? As young believers, many of us dreamed of becoming illustrious martyrs, dying for Christ on foreign soil - thus proving our love for Christ, and getting immediately translated into heaven. The tragedy is that we aren't ready, nor are we actually willing to do that. As selfless as it may sound on the surface, in reality, it's every bit as carnal and selfish as suicide.
"Being made conformable to his death" is a daily process that may span decades. It's not the 59 seconds before the gun is discharged, speeding your soul into Glory. It's years of faithfulness lived out before God in obedience to his Word. It's Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb 11:25) This is being made conformable unto his death. This is the fellowship of his sufferings. Yes, ultimately, it may mean torture and martyrdom. More importantly, though, it means taking up your cross, every day, and following him.
Then, once we've mastered faithfulness by denying our flesh daily, we will truly be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for physical suffering, if God so calls us.
Don't waste the “easy” parts of your life on trifles.