Sharing in Christ's Sufferings

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Suffering sucks.

None of us like it. I certainly don't.

But we're told in scripture to rejoice in fiery trials (1 Peter 4:12-13). Count it all joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). And we are joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him (Romans 8:17). 

So why do we need to suffer?

A fellow brother in Christ said, "God is getting us ready for Heaven—ready for eternity."

The more I suffer the pains and trials of this life and learn that this world is not where it's at, the more I long for Heaven—to be with Jesus. 

The temporary things of this temporal world cannot bring lasting, complete satisfaction. No marriage or spouse, no child, no other person, no amount of riches, no beautiful places, no material things, no luxury house, no sport or hobby, no mind-altering substance, will ever bring us the lasting joy, peace and happiness that we all desperately seek and need. 

Only Jesus can give us permanent and perfect joy, peace and love.

That's why we are given command in scripture to set our minds on heavenly things, and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). To not love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15). 

When we step into eternity, a billion years later, the kind of job we had, amount of money we made, brand of car we drove, luxurious house we lived in, or expensive fly rod we fished with will be long forgotten.

But any amount of righteous suffering we endured for Christ's honor and glory in this present life, will be like a red badge of courage for us in eternity. And that will bring us exceeding joy. Peter writes:

"But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Doesn't "being glad with exceeding joy" with Jesus in Heaven sound far better than having the perfect luxury home in the here and now?

Suffering also produces perseverance, character and hope.

“We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

And suffering for God's will brings Him glory. 

When people in our life see us enduring suffering and trials with patience and faith, it points them to the One who strengthens us in our trials. When non-believers all around us are complaining and crumbling in their trials, but we who follow Jesus Christ embrace and endure our trials with faith and joy, people see that and it magnifies the Lord who saved us. It is a powerful testimony.

When the Lord comforts us in our suffering and afflictions, it gives us more compassion to comfort others who are suffering in their afflictions, with the same comfort that God comforted us with.  

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Suffering is painful and very difficult. Sometimes excruciating.

But fortunately, it's only temporary. And compared to the joys of eternity with Christ, it's a mere blink of an eye. Not even worthy to be compared.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

That little passage in Romans chapter five has been a huge blessing in my life. Often times encouraging me when I had no encouragement. When I felt no hope. When I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on.

But God has brought me through every single trial. 

And He will bring you through your trials too—no matter how fiery they may be. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

My prayer today and always remains:

"Oh—Lord Jesus, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Endue me with Your power from on high to be Your witness – here, and always. Amen."

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.