1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
In this letter, followers are being warned they may suffer for being Christians. Unfortunately, today it is too easy for us to hide that we are Christians, and show our full faith only when it feels safe to do so. I can only speak for myself, but I know there have been times I kept my faith to myself instead of speaking out. God must certainly be disappointed when this happens. To avoid some petty earthly rejection, do I really keep quiet about God? That is essentially what is happening, even if it is just for a moment, and one brief interaction. I cannot claim to belong to God and at the same time conveniently forget Him.
Holy Lord, you know my heart, and that I could never reject you. I am sorry for the times I may have avoided confrontation or judgement from others by not speaking up about my relationship with you. I feel I have become better about living my true faith, but I know there are times when I fail. Forgive me, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
1 Peter 4:12–13
I feel this passage’s message is similar to Friday’s. Like Jesus, we will certainly have trails in our lives and that makes us partners of a sort. Our trails are not a punishment but simply part of living. Our reward will be being part of his glory when it is revealed to the world.
Prayer: gracious God, these verses offer comfort in times of despair. Thank you. Amen
Monday January 16th, 2023
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
How we respond to pain and suffering is critical to how we process what’s happening and how we will heal. If you treat physical sickness with the wrong medication, not only will your sickness continue, but it could become worse. When you fill your life with God’s Word and surround yourself with people who speak hope and encouragement into your life, your experience will be much healthier…
1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
All of our challenges in this life are not a punishment from God, but a way to realize our hope in God. We are made stronger with each new challenge and can use this to help others. I have seen the despair in people when they feel that God is responsible for their sufferings. This lack of faith is very noticeable. I should accept all of life’s challenges…
1 Peter 4:12-13
Not only are we not to despair any fiery ordeal, we are not to even be surprised by it. False teaching that the Christian life means the end of hardship damages the Christian witness. In this age that sees no redemptive purpose in suffering true Christianity is seen as ridiculous. The only response is to cling to the promise that Christ’s glory will be revealed and to endure our setbacks with dignity, steadfast faith and confidence in our eternal hope. Easy to write - so very hard to do.
Prayer - Merciful God, my reflection on Your word lays bare my failure to fully live it out. Grant me the grace to persevere in times of turmoil,…