Friday, September 16, 2016

I don’t want to be redundant, but Peter mentions suffering for Christ in every chapter of 1st Peter. Again, in Chapter 4, after discussing how to share your faith experience with others he emphasizes a number of times that opposition is almost always a part of the experience. In verse 12 he says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” It might feel strange when you are seeking to please God and enlighten or enrich others, but it shouldn’t surprise us. We live in a hostile environment even when it’s not evident on the surface. When it does happen, the response he recommends is this: “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Then He adds, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (Verses 13-14). Notice, he didn’t say you are blessed, therefore, rejoice. He said, rejoice first, because it is a privilege to participate in the sufferings of Christ. Then he promises, if you are insulted because you are viewed as out of your mind to rejoice in difficult circumstances, you will experience the blessing of the Spirit of glory and of God resting on you. The faith step of seeing the bright side of a hurtful, difficult circumstance is the key for a fulfilling and fruitful life on your journey on earth. And you will be overjoyed when Christ’s glory is revealed at His return. What glorious expectations faith brings.