Last 5 Days
Rejoice in Suffering
12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Peter had told his readers how they should respond after they have tasted the goodness of Jesus. Then, he suddenly switched his topic by telling them to prepare for suffering. Yes, the Lord is good, but we still live in a fallen world. Thus, we shall not be surprised when suffering arrives. Instead, we should count it as an honour to be able to suffer for Christ. We should rejoice and be glad.
We recall how the apostles were arrested and whipped for no apparent reason by the council; they rejoiced because they were considered worthy to suffer for the Lord. We shall do likewise.
Towards the end, Peter pointed out that we experience suffering because God has permitted it. So let us accept all suffering with gladness, knowing that God must have His reason for allowing them.
I am sure no one will debate the above argument in theory, but it is different when we face one. For Singaporeans, it is unlikely that we face persecution as the suffering. Instead, we may face other misfortunes. My wife noticed that every new convert she brought to Christ experienced various misfortunes. One of them lost her husband. Another was diagnosed to have cancer. Why? Perhaps, no one can answer that question. However, the good news is they all have overcome their difficulties. We know that God has allowed it, and He must have His reason. Thus, let us rejoice whatever the situation may be. Let us continue to believe that God is in control.