Suffering for Christ

Dear friends,

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you can be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Although we are commanded not to be surprised, these verses do catch us off balance. First of all, we are stunned by the honesty of God. The Lord makes it a given that Christian people will suffer pain because of their faith. In fact, he suggests it is part of the normal course of Christian living. It would be “strange” if you did not suffer for Christ!

Secondly, we are told not only to be ready to suffer but to rejoice in it. Now this is a surprise indeed! We are to find and express joy while suffering for Christ. This means when our non-Christian family and friends deride us for our faith, when we miss a business contract because we (as Christians) will not cheat, when we give up something valuable for the advancement of the gospel, when we take risks for the glory of God and get hurt - then we must have joy! That sounds nice, but how is it possible? How can suffering ever be joyful?

The answer comes in a third point addressed in these verses. They point to the revealing of Christ’s glory! You see, the joy comes when you experience the glory of forgiveness through a relationship with Jesus. The joy comes when you see the glory on the faces of people who have heard the gospel from your lips. The joy comes when the enemies of Christ are astonished by your zeal for the glory of his Name. Ultimately, the joy will be most complete when he comes again and all people will see his glory!

The final question is: Does this truly describe us? Are we suffering for Christ? Are we ready to find our joy in identifying with the work of Jesus? Or are we surprised at the notion that our faith would require any discomfort?

Your servant,

Stephen