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 may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
(1 Pet 4:12-14, NIV)
The language here is so vivid we almost feel as though it is a little overdramatic in relation to our own circumstances. But look again. Although we may not be persecuted for wearing the name "Christian," the way of Jesus is almost always at odds with the way of the world at some points. When we cross those boundaries as servants of Christ, we are sure to bear stigma and the exhaustion that comes from working thanklessly for the good of others. Maybe the grandiose language can make a point that connects quite readily with our experience.
The most stilting part of this passage is the straightforward way that Peter says we shouldn't be surprised when bad things happen. "It's not as if something strange is happening to you," he says, "you are only sharing in the suffering of Christ." In 1 Peter, slaves and others at the bottom of the social spectrum are exhorted to hold on the faith and way of life modeled by Jesus because they know that God's spirit is present in the midst of strife. So at the times when it seems the most like God has abandoned us, it is at precisely those times that the Spirit is near us.
In fact, suffering for doing good and patiently enduring our hardships mark us out as followers of Christ. In this, we are made witness to all that the power of God is revealed in weakness, and that the evil this world works is not final or binding.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Matt 5:11-12)
It is so difficult for us to understand the idea of rejoicing in suffering. Let this prayer guide your understanding of Jesus' and Peter's admonition.
Lord, make possible for me by grace what is impossible to me by nature. You know that I am not able to endure very much, and that I am downcast with the slightest difficulty. Grant that for your sake I may come to love and desire any hardship that puts me to the test, for your salvation is brought to my soul when I undergo suffering and trouble for you.
-Thomas a Kempis
Peace,
Greg and Tiffany
