SHARING HIS SUFFERING AND GLORY. 1st Peter 4:12 Refinement is a benefit. We should not be surprised or thrown off balance when suffering comes, as it is a normal part of life. Rejoice, realizing that what is a privilege now will be an honor. With words of endearment for those children of God who are called to suffer for their faith in Christ, Peter addresses them as "beloved." It is not a "strange thing" for unbelievers to oppose and persecute Christians. "All that will godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," Paul wrote. Our Lord Jesus said that when people insult, persecute, and speak evil against believers, they will be blessed. In times of testing and suffering, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Hardship and trouble strengthen our faith.
Suffering for Christ is to be expected among godly Christians because we are striving with our Lord Jesus Christ against evil. Apparently, the ones Peter was writing to were surprised to be suffering as Christians. “A fiery trial” compares what they were going through to a furnace that melts metal, removing impurities. Persecution is a normal part of a godly Christian life. Satan is determined to undermine and bring down those who represent our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Partakers of Christ's sufferings" means that suffering saints share something in common with our Savior. His sufferings were to atone for our sins. Any suffering we may be called to endure is because we have been forgiven of our sins, and those in darkness "hate the light because their deeds are evil." We should not regard the trials we are called to endure as “strange.” Christians don’t fit into the world system, so we should consider it a privilege to “be different” from those who love the pleasures of sin.
Some are there right now, Father – the match has been struck. Grant to those whom Thou hast chosen a unique grace to bear pain and suffering, loss and hurt. Grant them the strength they seek. Whether the news just given has left them breathless and in shock, draw near and grant their spirits Thy sweet rest. Hear and answer their prayer, and mine, as at Thy door we knock. Please lead them through this trial in the way You know is best.
In some distant place, there are those who are persecuted. The persecution comes from their friends and family. Lord God, give them wisdom and power in the face of this opposition. May Your love and mercy through Him be plainly seen. If the time comes for me to suffer, to pass through a fiery trial, may I remain true and faithful to Thee, my Lord.
There will likely be unfair blame when a believer refuses to go along with a shady business deal. A young Christian in school may face shunning or rejection when they don’t do what other students do or act like they do. Help them remain strong in faith even when they receive an unfair grade or face an unfair decision from a game’s umpire. When they say “No” to what the majority says “Yes” to, give them the grace to shine as a light before others, despite serious repercussions. None of these is to be considered “strange” to a believer who loves and follows the Lord.
All the way, God has led me, and in every mile, I have experienced His gracious presence, comfort, and guiding hand. It probably shouldn’t be strange to me to face serious ordeals. In the times I’ve faced troubles, even in small ways, I feel the comfort of God’s presence and the ways He has strengthened me.