The Suffering Christian
Posted by Pastor on April 21, 2010
Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. This passage is really the whole point of Peter’s letter. Everything else has been preparing his readers to be able to accept this fact of faith: Your suffering is the evidence of what you believe.
Again, it is helpful to remember that the one who violates his faith to be accepted by the culture is not the one who is persecuted. Cultural suffering only comes to those who reject the culture. It is not judgment from God. Rather, it is the opportunity to demonstrate, as did Jesus, that your trust in God is complete and sufficient.
Do not be surprised at the firey trials when they come. Expect them, and be prepared to trust that God’s ways are always best, even when they run counter to worldly standards. Just be sure that, when you are suffering, you are suffering for trusting in Jesus Christ, not for actual wrong-doing. Yet, if the world’s condemnation falls upon you for your association in Jesus, continue to trust him, being a benevolent blessing to those around you, and God will not put you to shame.
You either trust God or you do not. How you handle your crisis will display the answer. Christian, true believer, Elect Exile – do not lose heart, do not be surprised by the firey trials – trust God, and love them anyway. Trust God, and serve them anyway. Trust God, and show them what saving faith really looks like. Trust God, endure to the end, and be saved.
