HOLDING ON TO HOPE: 1 Peter 4:12-14
Thursday, May 27
1 Peter 4: 12-14
“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. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
Suffering is defined as the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship…and Sister, it comes in all shapes and sizes. Peter said, “...do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you... But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.” Jesus suffered all throughout His ministry and on the cross. Whenever you suffer—especially if it’s because you are standing up for your faith—you share Christ’s sufferings. Let this be a source of comfort for you: Be reassured that Christ knows exactly what you are going through.
Suffering is also evidence that we are growing into the image of Christ, which should be our goal. If you were not becoming more Christ-like, Satan wouldn’t bother trying to torment you. He tries to make you suffer physically, mentally and spiritually. He wants you to be so discouraged that you fall away from your faith in God.
When we accept Jesus as their Savior, we sometimes mistakenly believe that they will never suffer again in life. God never promised that we would not suffer—But He did promise to always be there with us and take us through it. He even promised to make us “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). Peter said that we can rejoice when God’s Glory is revealed. Too many people of faith think we have to wait until we get to heaven to really experience this. But Peter was saying that we can experience God’s Glory today by sharing His suffering.
When we suffer for the sake of Christ, Peter says that God’s Spirit “rests” on us. We can feel Him holding us. At that moment, we are experiencing His Glory. Remember, Paul said, “...your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means that wherever we go, God’s Presence—goes with us. We don’t have to wait to get to heaven to experience His Glory. Thanks to Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, we can experience God’s Spirit and His Glory 24/7. Think about what this means for your life and your relationship with God. How can knowing this make a difference and help you find hope the next time you face suffering?
Jesus, You are our living hope! We know that whenever we suffer, whatever the cause, You feel what we feel because You have gone through it, too. We rejoice because, as Believers, we have the privilege of sharing Your suffering. Thank You that You are always present deep inside us through the Holy Spirit, strengthening us and making us victorious. And in this we find hope. In Jesus’ name and for the Father’s glory. Amen.
