1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Lately, it seems like the world is running on rocket fuel and accelerating at warp speed towards its final demise. And no one seems to be too concerned with the rapid pace of events and global happenings that is propelling us in these end times. The war in Ukraine, the uprising in Israel and the threats of war there with Iran, the economic situation and political upheaval going on here in the U.S., not to mention the crime wave spreading havoc all across the nation are all on the horizon, battling in competition to capture the eyes and ears of anyone trying to pay attention to what's going on.
Not to mention the personal struggles and sufferings people are facing right at this very hour. Just when there seems to be a glimmer of hope, like the easing of the pandemic, there is something else that comes along to quickly replace it and thereby ensues a new level of anxiety and fear.
We are facing some difficult times indeed. But in all reality, that should not take us by complete surprise. For the Christ follower, the sufferings and struggles we go through, whether physical, emotional or spiritual, should not catch us off guard. The bible mentions that our time here on earth is short - relative to eternity, and since we live in a fallen world corrupted by sin, which plagues the heart of every man, woman and child since creation, it should not come to us strange when the trials and tribulations befall us.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 that this world will bring many trials and tribulations, and we will all have to endure them from time to time. But it should not overwhelm us to point of shuttering in fear. Instead we are to look to the author and finisher of our faith - the Lord Jesus - and as Peter said, "but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."
The suffering Jesus experienced did not come to Him unexpectedly. He anticipated it and was prepared for it. Not only that, when it came time for Him to be crucified, He willingly endured the greatest suffering by dying completely innocent, and took our punishment, to forgive us and provide eternal life to whosever would believe.
So, is suffering a good thing? That all depends on what you are suffering from and why. But it also depends on whether or not you are rejoicing as partakers in the Christ's sufferings. That will make a difference as to your attitude and viewpoint.
We all suffer from one thing or another from time to time. Some suffering seems to go on without end. I know what that feels like. But I also know that our suffering in Christ is short-lived, and one day all the suffering and pain we have known in this life will vanish completely when we are with the Lord in glory.
So, don't give up hope. This world is going to face many more times of trouble much like the world has never seen before, so don't be surprised when you see these things come to pass. The bible promises that we will go through troubles, but fear not, for Jesus is still in control. We cannot allow ourselves to get caught up in the trouble and lose our faith in the process. Christ's suffering in His death and resurrection is our hope that like Him, we will rise above it all one day.
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