1st Peter 4:13. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” EXCEEDING JOY. To look at things through natural eyes, Leaves much to be desired – For our views often change as events unfold. What we once enjoyed now only makes us feel tired. Difficulties that were once only a challenge – Now bring us pain and suffering. Opposition to truth and the Gospel message – Discouragement may with them bring.
But when with holy eyes we see In that suffering, reasons for joy – Then we see God has allowed this to be It is not some unsolvable ploy. God allows it to happen with the future in view – A day when His glory is revealed – Then we will know what we never before knew – All the reasons events were from us concealed.
As the sufferings come, we can embrace each one – Each event able to bring God some unique glory In some time in the future things will be much clearer – And the sufferings past will be part of the story Of how God led us through the obstacles He knew Would reveal to others the value of faith. From His gracious view, we’ll see how we grew To be objects of His saving grace.
“O heavenly Father, I can sense even in some who know me well, a misunderstanding of why we press on even when I am tired. Thank You for allowing me to share in many ways the cost of proclaiming redemption’s story. He paid so much for what cost me so little. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
It should not be a surprise to Christians that God allows, and may plan, suffering and hardship for us. Reproach or being censured for the name of Christ is cause for being blessed by God. It is not a reason for us to pity ourselves, but accept suffering as a privilege for which we thank God. The early believers of this age of grace, "rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name."
However, not all of the suffering Christians endure is for the right reasons. If a believer is doing wrong and claims he is being picked on because he is a Christian, his understanding of the reason for his suffering is wrong. Wrong attitudes, unpleasant behavior, provocation caused by tone of voice or a pushy attitude even when doing "the work of the Lord," may bring insults , suffering and retaliation on us - and we caused it. Suffering for our allegiance to Christ is worthy suffering. Suffering for being opinionated and aggressive in order to win an argument even on religious topics, is not appropriate. Any criminal activity on the part of a Christian will have consequences that bring hardship the same as any other law-breaker. If I "put my nose" into the affairs or other people as a gossip or a person with unasked for advice, likely there will be unhappy results that will make me ashamed.