Suffering Stinks!

“fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and partaker also of the Glory that is to be revealed” (1 Peter 5:1)
 
The verse above is how Peter describes himself while writing to fellow elders and believers just before the persecutions they would suffer under Nero. He goes on in this chapter to state the fact that part of the walk with Christ, part of our service to God will be suffering for his name and for your church family. He makes it clear in verse 1 that Christ suffered (he witnessed it) and later in verse 9 he stated that the brethren will suffer and in verse 10 he states you will suffer.
 
Suffering stinks! It is so horrible to go through and it definitely is nothing we look forward to in our lives. Peter knew it was part of the life of Christ and it will be a part of following Jesus. He could since the tension and see the writing on the wall in the near future for all Christians under the Roman reign of Nero so He wanted to prepare their hearts for service. He is telling the leaders to keep shepherding the flock. He is reminding them it is all worth it.
 
You also will ultimately face forms of suffering in your walk with the Lord. It may not be in the form of being burnt alive or fed to lions as sport, but none the less you will face sufferings of many kinds in faithfully serving God and His people. Peter informs us on how to approach it, with humility for only then will God’s grace-filled mighty hand exalt you. He also tells us to keep our head up and stay alert through faith, cast your anxieties on Him, and remember you are not the only one going through these sufferings. Lastly he is reminding us these sufferings will only last for a little while… so stay faithful.
 
Peter finally reminds us that the God of all grace, the one who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish those who suffer for His sake. (v.10)
 
Today remember you will at times suffer, it will stink, but stay faithful for God is working and you will be graced and strengthened. He will use your sufferings to bring Himself glory, to grow you, and to multiply His Kingdom… It is never in vain.
 
In His Service,
Eric Barnes

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