Text: 1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV
Further Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-16
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV
MESSAGE
The Christian must always remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 3:12, which says:
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
To be a Christian is no small business, it’s a call to trials and persecution. Paul admonished the young Timothy to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).
This veteran Apostle was not speaking based on hearsay but his own experience of suffering. We have spoken of the several trials in the life of Paul, from the infirmity in his body to the many persecutions he endured.
The question is this, why does a Christian have to go through all these? The world, the flesh and the devil seems to always be against him. What all these forces are targeting in the believers’ life is the faith of Christ in us.
Since Christ is the hope of our glory, if Christ is removed there will be no more hope of glory. Our further reading further buttresses this point by saying that if any man suffers as a Christian such should not be ashamed, but should glorify God.
Our trials are also to refine and purify us so that we can be fit for God’s service. We may be reproached for the name of Christ but we are sure to be happy because God’s presence will be with us.
You may be going through the waters or fires this morning. You may even be in your valley of the shadow of death. Do not be afraid, God will guide you through the storms of life and command peace in your life.
Do not forget the very words of Christ which He spoke concerning us that in this world we would have tribulations but we can be confident and cheerfully march on because He has overcome the world for us. Praise the Lord!
Therefore do not be weary in pleasing and serving God, because if you faint not in due season, your reward will come. Jesus said behold I am coming quickly and my reward is with me to give everyone as His works shall be (Revelation 22:12).
Your trials are for the glory of God. Rest and trust in His love, all will be well.
REFLECTION
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:5 NKJV
Though the Christian is faced with many trials, the promises of God remain sure. Our consolation is in the rich promise of eternal glory.
PRAYER
Father, please help to rest upon your rich promises while I am faced with any trial in life.
