Scripture

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something’s strange was happening to you.

Observation

We should not be surprised when we go through trials. Instead, we should rejoice, for in trials, we partner with Christ in his suffering. However, there is no value in suffering for doing evil deeds, such as murder, stealing, or stirring up trouble. It is no shame to suffer for being a christian.

The time has come for judgement, and this will begin with God’s people. It will spread from there to all people, and the godless will suffer a terrible fate.

Application

Suffering for our obedience to Christ is nothing new. Every year, thousands upon thousands of christians die for their faith. Others are imprisoned, tortured, cast out of their homes, or shunned by families.

We should not be surprised when we are mocked or fired from our job or harassed by government officials because of our beliefs. When these things happen, we share in Christ’s suffering.

However, we need to make sure that we really are suffering for Christ’s sake, and not just because we are being obnoxious.

Suffering for our faith is the normal christian life. It can strengthen our faith, and it can increase our determination to follow Jesus in all things.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank you for the joy of being in your kingdom. Please help me to stand firm in you. at all times, especially when facing opposition. Amen.