Wednesday 13 September 2023
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. (v. 13)
Background
Rejoicing in suffering seems a bizarre concept but the leaders of the Early Church embraced this idea. In part that was because they saw that nothing forces a person to confront their true self as much as suffering does. Although suffering is not in itself a good thing, it can be made purposeful.
God can use suffering to develop us into better people. Later in this letter, Peter wrote that those who suffer will find that God will "restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (1 Peter 5:10). James wrote "the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" and, in terms of God’s support, "leads you to lack nothing" (James 1:2-4). Paul wrote that "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
These Early Church leaders thought it was an honour to share in the suffering of Christ and believed our own experience of suffering would encourage us to long for a better world, a world redeemed and freed from sin.
Anne Frank, the teenage girl who suffered at the hands of Nazi persecution, wrote this: "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be." One of humanity’s greatest gifts is the capacity not just to endure suffering but to transform it.
If suffering ends in physical destruction (as it did in Anne’s case), then those who believe in God know there is life after death. Peter, Paul and John never forgot that Jesus had promised a rich reward to all the faithful: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5: 10-12).
To Ponder:
- Why do you think suffering exists?
- Think of a time when you faced suffering. What were the biggest questions you wrestled with?
- What enables a person to cope with suffering?
Prayer
Father, my heart grieves at all the suffering in the world and particularly when that suffering stems from the actions of others. Help me to see your love at work even amidst the darkest situations. And when I suffer, sustain me so I am not overwhelmed. Give me the comfort and strength I need. Amen.