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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Peter said, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Pet 5:10 NASB). I praise you today as the God of all grace, the God who is able to strengthen and establish me in the faith. You let me suffer for a little while, but only so my faith will bring honor and glory to your Son. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me Peter’s first letter to the believers in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Peter was aware of the persecution these Christians had experienced, and he knew that more suffering was on the way (cf. 1 Pet 4:12–19). This prompted him to write a letter of encouragement and exhortation. As I read, I was struck by how much Peter’s comments have to teach me about suffering. First, suffering is part of your plan for my life. Peter said, “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” (1 Pet 4:12). This means that I can expect to suffer, for it’s one of the ways that you conform me to the image of your Son. It isn’t pleasant, but it is purposeful. Second, suffering tests the genuineness of my faith. Peter said, “You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith…may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:6–7). This means that suffering is intended to refine and perfect my faith. As I endure by your grace, the fire of suffering gives my faith a quality that will result in the praise and approval of Christ. Third, suffering is evidence of my union with Christ. Peter said, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Pet 4:14). This means that suffering demonstrates that I am in Christ, for your Spirit rests on those who share in Christ’s sufferings. As I return good for evil, I can rest in the assurance that I am truly a child of God. Fourth, suffering is a reason to rejoice. Peter said, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet 4:13). This means that suffering is a sign to me that I will be saved when Christ’s glory is revealed. This is grounds for joy and gladness, for those who suffer with your Son, will also rule and reign with him (2 Tim 2:12). Reflection Peter said that I have been called to endure suffering with a good attitude. The basis for this call is that “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21, 23). Am I following in Christ’s steps? Request Father, help me to endure suffering with the humility and gentleness of Christ. Teach me to welcome suffering as a necessary part of your will for my life, and enable me to suffer with a joyful heart, knowing that you are transforming me into the image of your Son. Thanksgiving Thank you for the honor of sharing in Christ’s sufferings! I rejoice in the knowledge that those who endure suffering for righteousness’ sake will have your eternal blessing (1 Pet 3:14). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Does Jesus Care?” – Frank E. Graeff. Meditation Verse: 1 Peter 5:7. |