Text:
1 Peter 5: 1-10
Memory Verse:
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you”(1 Peter 5:10).
After you have suffered?” he shouted. “Becoming a Christian is Asupposed to make everything better forever.” Richard could not understand why a Christian has to suffer. Suffering is the pain, misery, or loss experienced by a person who suffers.
It is common to hear preachers tell their listeners that their problems will be things of the past once they invite Jesus into their hearts. This promise cannot be taken literally as Peter encouraged the brethren to expect to suffer for their faith. Note that Peter said he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ! Yes, even Christ, who was 100% God and 100% man, suffered. He prepared the minds
of His disciples for the suffering to come (John 15:18-21).
That you will suffer because God’s standards and values which you are emulating are different from those of the world is a given. Many others, like Joseph and Paul, underwent similar sufferings. Besides, the suffering is for a while because God will not leave you without help for too long. Be sure that you are not suffering because of your wrongdoing. Peter says, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:15&16).
Are you suffering because of your faith in Christ? Be comforted. It is only for a while. God will grant you the grace to bear it and you will be rewarded.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, my strength will not fail in the face of suffering.
2. Please help me to stand for You, no matter what.
