Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad – because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world. 14 Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of GOD will come upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise GOD for the privilege of being called by HIS wonderful Name!” ~ 1 Peter 4:12-16
In verse fourteen, Peter brings to mind Jesus’ words: “GOD blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are My followers.” – Matthew 5:11 -The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful; faithless people would be unnoticed. In the future GOD will reward the faithful by receiving them into HIS eternal Kingdom, where there is no more persecution. In the meantime, Christ will send His Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. Now, this does not mean that all suffering is the result of good Christian conduct. Sometimes a person will grumble, “He’s just picking on me because I am a Christian,” when it is obvious to everyone else that the person’s own unpleasant behavior is the cause of his or her problems. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, He will be with us all the way.
It is not shameful to suffer being a Christian. When Peter and John were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of GOD’s approval of their work. – “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that GOD had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.” – Acts 5:41 – Peter and John had been beaten for their faith. This beating that they suffered was the first time any of the apostles had been physically abused for their faith. These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised GOD that HE had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord. If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it is not because you are doing something wrong but because GOD has counted you “worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name of Jesus.” Do not try to seek out suffering, and do not try to avoid it. Instead, keep on doing what is right whether or not it brings suffering and praise GOD for the privilege of being called by HIS wonderful Name!
Father give us understanding and strengthen our hearts when we suffer for doing what is right – for being a child of the Most High GOD. Strengthen us with YOUR glorious power so we will have the patience and endurance we need and fill us with joy. Give us a complete understanding of what YOU want to do in our lives and make us wise with spiritual wisdom. Father, we know that there will be times when we are pressed on every side by troubles, trials, tribulations and persecutions – but Father GOD, we will not be crushed and broken! We are perplexed, at times, but we will not give up and quit. We are hunted down, but YOU Father GOD, will never abandon us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going – because we know Father – that GREATER is HE that is in us, than he that is in this world! We are more than conquerors; we are OVERCOMERS – in JESUS most powerful Name!
Photo: Surfside Beach (Texas)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
