Sunday 28 November, 2021

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Suffering.  It’s not the easiest thing to deal with but it could be because I have a different view to suffering compared to God’s view.

I’m grateful that I don’t have to suffer as Jesus did by dying on a cross. Nor have I suffered publicly like Peter when he denied Christ. Peter was so distraught by what he had done that he wrote himself off, believing that God had cast him aside because he failed. Sometimes I feel the same way.

But this is not God’s view. Our Father didn’t leave Peter in his misery but instead restored him back to life.  And this is the viewpoint from which Peter writes. He writes from the other side of his suffering, from God’s viewpoint: don’t be surprised by suffering – it is a normal part of life. Where we might disqualify ourselves, God restores us. Through Peter, I am reminded not to write myself off but instead commit myself to my Father God and continue to do good.

Father, I thank you that You speak Your truth to me about life telling me that there will be hard times but I don’t have to give up or think I’ve disqualified myself but rather turn to You and commit myself to You again. Thank you for loving me graciously and kindly through every step of my life.

Written by Gab Martin