20240818

something unusual

1 Peter 4:12-13 (JDV)

1 Peter 4:12 Cared for ones, don’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you happening to test you as if something unusual were occurring to you.
1 Peter 4:13 Instead, rejoice just as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice intensely when his glory is revealed.

something unusual

No one enjoys fiery ordeals, but we can find joy in knowing that they are only temporary. In fact, as we focus on Christ, we remember how much he suffered for us. We also remember that he overcame and is now triumphant. He is now back at the Father’s side in glory. He is soon to return in glory and we who trust in him will share that glory. That is why we can rejoice as we suffer. Our suffering is not permanent. Our victory will be.

Our perspective on suffering needs to change. We need to stop complaining and acting like something unusual is happening. Suffering does not indicate that we are descending into curse and chaos. Suffering happens because it precedes victory, just as it did in Christ’s case. We do not suffer for the same reason that Christ did. He is sinless, but he suffered as a substitute for the penalty our sins deserved. We suffer — at least some of the time — because the world needs to see our faith amid suffering — to draw them to our Savior. So, rejoice if you suffer!