Devotional: A Purpose for Suffering #10

1 Peter 4:12 ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Have you been broadsided by some trials lately? Peter says it's not a strange thing. He was referring no doubt to the persecution that Christians were undergoing at the time. As I look at the news and the things that are happening in our world today, I think true Christians are in for some persecution soon. Indeed, some are already being persecuted for their faith, not only in China and other places, but right here in our own "Christian" nation. Are you prepared for that, or will it come as a surprise, a "strange" thing?

While Peter may not have been specifically referring to the suffering of ill health, disabilities, or undesirable circumstances, his words can a do apply to these areas as well. If you are human, and I suspect you are, suffering and trials are going to come into your life at some point in time. It is not a strange thing to have fiery trials test you. It is part of the human experience. Yet many, if not most of us, react as if it is unfair that trials happen to us.

Peter says we are to not think it strange and that we should actually rejoice in our trials because then we have a taste of what Christ went through for us to purchase our redemption. What's more, the trials we have can work to change our perspective in life. Instead of being so attached to the things of this world, suffering can cause us to look forward to Christ's return and the day we are taken up to heaven where all tears will be wiped away. What a day that will be!

Are you allowing your trials to shift your perspective from one that is worldly to one that is heavenly? We have cause for rejoicing because for the true Christian, one day our sorrow and suffering will be ended. Do you have assurance of this? If not, then perhaps a reading through the Gospel of John and the book of Romans would be a good idea. You can't afford to not have your heart set right with God, as the only other alternative is eternal suffering in Hell.