Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Pet 4:12-13
No one likes to suffer. Our flesh despises it with passion. To suffer is to feel some sort of disadvantage or punishment. It is to feel anguish and discomfort. To suffer is to shame. Yet we are reminded in scripture that all who will reign with Christ will suffer in this life. This is not to confuse the sufferings that are consequences of disobedience, but rather a suffering that comes because of your witness for Christ.
I would presume that a great deal of believers skip over this sobering truth. Not only did our Savior lay down his life, but we too are called to lay ours down. To be a living sacrifice for the glory of God. This means we often must lay down our own personal will that bring us satisfaction in this life and sometimes gain from this world in exchange to do the will of the Father.
It is quite easy for believers in Christ Jesus to welcome and glory in His promises, His love, His Grace and Mercy...you know all the “good” things about our God. But sometimes we neglect the other “good” things about our God. You know the truths that sound dreadful to men, such as our God is a consuming fire. I love that my God is gracious and merciful. I also love that he is the King of kings and He will righteously judge bringing wrath to the sons of disobedience.
In the same it is sometimes easier for us to accept some truths over others, however we must not overlook the truths that are often very sobering.
Our sufferings produce endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.” Rom 3:14
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God...”Rom 3:18
“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.” Heb 2:10
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Rom 5:3-4
“And if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” Rom 8:17
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:” 2 Tim 2:12
“This is the evidence of the righteous judgement of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering” 2 Thess 1:5
My friend, count your suffering as joy!
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