Today’s Reading, 1 Peter 1-5
Focal Scripture: 1 Peter 4:16 “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.”
Suffering is not something that is enjoyable. It often comes with emotional. physical, mental and spiritual pain. These scars can last the rest of our lives. However, these scars can tell a story that glorifies God if we allow it to in our lives. I can tell you from personal events I have walked through this year that suffering is not fun but ultimately had to happen to produce what God needed in my life.
In today’s reading Peter covers much ground. In the focal verse he explains that if you are suffering because of your faith that is a good thing to experience. Believers should not be surprised that suffering and trials will enter their lives. Peter actually says we should rejoice in our sufferings. Peter understood suffering and even knew how to respond well. In the book of Acts it says he was one of the apostles that walked away rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. His experience should teach us a deep lesson.
The application today is to rejoice when we suffer because of our faith. However, we must make a distinction here because not everything we suffer for is because of our faith. Sometimes it is because of poor choices on our part. Thankfully though in the life of a believer God can use all circumstances to build us up in sanctification.
Our challenge is to have the right attitude when we do suffer. If suffering for our faith we should rejoice like the apostles in Acts about the name we represent. When events happen because we stand on biblical truth that suffering is difficult for a season. We must remind ourselves to suffer well because it is not our name but Christ we represent.
Be encouraged to suffer well for the name of Christ. Rejoice in his providence in your life.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Peter 1-3
