I love the letter of Peter very much and the fact that he emphasizes
on the place of suffering in the Christian walk could perhaps be the greatest
inspiration. Today in the morning, I have reflecting on this passage and got a
few nuggets on how Christian are to respond in the midst of suffering and pain.
1 peter 1 vs 6, He
writes “In all this (suffering) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These
have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than
gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
That suffering basically tests, strengthens and purifies our
faith after which, in a little while will result in Glory to God.
Could it be that yours is a boss you loath and most of the
times you are tempted to call fourth fire and brim storms to fall on his bald
forehead? Well, I was gentle being reminded that Christian faith cannot be
separated from the calling of suffering. God wants us to submit even to the inconsiderate
employer of them all.
2 peter 18 Slaves, in reverent fear of
God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and
considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is
commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they
are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you
receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing
good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To
this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example
that you should follow in his steps.
Then I learnt that suffering open doors for witnessing about
the Christ crucified. How you may ask? When those colleagues rise up to
question about your strong Christian stand about a function at workplace, will
you cow down and say after all I am the minority and let the majority walk in
their belief?
1 peter 3 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always
be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,
so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be
ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer
for doing good than for doing evil.
He continues to implore us as believer to
count it all joy when we go through various kinds of trials. Why? Because, through
sharing the suffering of Christ, the same way shall we participate in His
glory. So, it’s actually an honor to suffer for His cause.
1 peter 4 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal
that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to
you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the
sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Again he writes to say that no matter what happens, a little
suffering is a prerequisite for the experiencing His glory. The joy of all this
is that the suffering is temporary and after a small while, the Lord God
restores. Yaay, that’s a profound truth right there!
1 peter 5 10 And the God of all grace,
who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little
while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To
him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
And in Part 2 of his letter, despite the suffering we go
through, Peter encourages us to
Make every effort to be found spotless and at peace with
Christ when He comes 2 Peter 3:11
Guard ourselves against false teachers 2 Peter 3:14
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ 2
Peter 3:18
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