“12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)
It is so easy for me to be glad when things are going great and God is being glorified and positive impact is being made in the lives of others. But the other times, how am I to rejoice when things are at their darkest and I feel as though I am being beat down at every turn I take?
First, there is no guarantee from God that everything will be great and easy. I am going to suffer as I have studied and completely understand. I will have difficult times as I continue in this world, and that will not change.
Second, I have to look for what is to come and not spend too much time in a state of worry. Concern with the past or worry about the future are not in my best interest. I should simply take things as they come daily and work to make each situation the best it can through the glorification of God.
Peter reminds us to “rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings”. That suffering Christ endured was all for the glory of God as noted in the verse below.
“41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.’” – Luke 22:41-42 (ESV)
Even as He was headed to the cross, Jesus was willing to suffer for the sake of the glory of God. I should be willing to rejoice in my suffering for the glory of God as well.
I would be remiss if I did not also express our rejoicing in the glory that is to come. When I am finished in this world and have shared in all of the sufferings, I will find my way to heaven and share in the joy that I will find there. My suffering here will be rewarded with the shared experiences of love and joy in heaven.
When you look out at your sufferings each day, what do you make of them? Are you seeing them as the difficulty they are? Are you willing to rejoice in your shared experience of suffering as well as the joy that is to come?
Trevor's Thoughts 