Suffering

I Pet. 4:12-13

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. But rejoice, insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.

 

Even though it is not a surprise, it is hard to endure! I know believers are called to suffer, to follow in the steps of Jesus [2:21] But besides being called to suffer and identifying with Jesus, Peter gives other reasons for suffering. Verse 12 says one reason for suffering is to test us. In fact, 1:7 says, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise, honor, and glory at His revelation. This testing could be personally purifying, to rid our gold of its impurities, or it could be to prove the genuineness of our faith.

 

Speaking of personal purification, Peter says we are to cease from sin, so as to live the rest of of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. The believers entire focus and emphasis should be vastly different than that of the world. But sadly, the easiness of the times has lulled believers into taking much of what the world offers. Is there a need for purification? Definitely, yes! How will believers respond? How will I respond?  For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God...

 

It appears that the first arena of testing the genuineness of our faith is coming to the business world in new regulations and altered freedoms. Christian businesses are refusing to include the abortion pills in their medical insurance at the cost of unbelievable fines (1 million dollars a day) or even at the cost of closing down which will result in even more job losses. As I watch the legal battles and the stand these companies take, it makes me look within. What would I do in similar circumstances? How strong are my beliefs? How strong is my stand? History has demonstrated that what one says they believe in easy times doesn't always hold true in persecution.  For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God...

 

Another benefit of this suffering is blessing! How can that be? Only with Christ can physical hardships be transformed into blessing!  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you. Insults, fines, loss of income and opportunity are becoming a reality, and tragically most of these issues do not even make the national news. America's transformation to a anti-religious country will happen quietly but effectively. All people, whether believers or not, are losing their way of life. Sad but true! But for the believer, these massive losses mean blessing! The Spirit of glory and God is there giving peace and strength to endure. Our citizenship is heavenly. We are merely strangers and aliens. Perhaps, we need these tests to see the true loyalty of our heart. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God...

 

There is no shame in suffering for Christ [in losing a business, in being fined, in being taken to court, in being imprisoned], but instead believers need to glorify God. Not only is the believer's life style vastly different from the world, but so is his mental focus. When we see massive difficulties looming in our future, we are not fearful scrambling to do anything to survive, but instead we rejoice! We see the purification as a blessing, as another step closer to arriving safely home in heaven. Oh for the grace to embrace these circumstances as blessings and cause for rejoicing! How hard it is when we are just frail and weak fleshly beings! It must be through grace, and only grace!

 

Father,

At times my heart is fearful when I see evil triumphing, but in my head I know that You are in control. Build my peace and trust! Refine my gold. Help me rejoice!

In His name,

Ame