”19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
1 Peter 2:19-21
Double-shifts.
If you know what double-shifts are, and have worked more of them than you can count, odds are you’ve suffered like I have in recent months. Like Jesus did, both on and off the cross.
I’ve been working harder the past few months than I have in decades. My body is proving to be too weak to keep up with my gruling schedule, and my mind far too troubled to focus on tasks at hand.
In plain English, I’m in pain physically, and drained psychologically…
But, I continue to press on because by the grace of God, I am strong spiritually, and have been leaning heavily on God’s word to keep going in spite of the pain and siffering I endure each day.
One of the Scriptures I was led to today is 1 Peter 2:19-21, where the apostle Peter provides invaluable insights into the concept of suffering for Christ by our faith in Him. This passage serves as a guiding light for believers navigating the tumultuous waters of life, reminding us that our faith is not exempt from trials but is, in fact, refined and strengthened through them.
The Power Of Suffering For Christ
Peter, writing to a community undergoing persecution, invites believers to consider suffering not as a stumbling block but as a commendable act when endured for the sake of righteousness. The essence of these verses lies in understanding the transformative power of suffering for Christ and how it molds us into faithful followers of our Savior.
**1. Conscious of God in Suffering:
Suffering takes various forms in our lives, but Peter encourages us to bear up under unjust suffering while being conscious of God. In the face of adversity, our faith should not waver, but rather, it should anchor us in the unshakable truth that God is sovereign and present in every circumstance.
**2. Enduring Suffering for Righteousness:
Enduring suffering becomes commendable when it is rooted in doing good, mirroring the sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ on the cross. Peter reminds us that our response to suffering should be a reflection of the love and righteousness of our Savior. Through our endurance, we testify to the transformative power of Christ’s example in our lives.
**3. Called to Suffering for Christ:
As believers, we are not exempt from suffering; in fact, Peter asserts that we are called to it. This may seem paradoxical, but in our suffering, we share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. Just as Christ endured for us, we, too, are invited to follow in His steps, trusting that our suffering is not in vain but serves a higher purpose in God’s redemptive plan.
**4. The Example of Christ’s Suffering:
The heart of Peter’s message lies in pointing us to the ultimate example – the suffering of Christ. Christ’s suffering was not arbitrary; it was purposeful, redemptive, and laden with love. As followers of Christ, our suffering finds meaning and purpose when we align it with the example set by our Savior.
Let’s not view suffering as a detour but as a part of our pilgrimage of faith. Through the lens of 1 Peter 2:19-21, we are called to embrace suffering for Christ with conscious endurance, doing good and following in the footsteps of our Savior.
May our faith be refined, our love deepened, and our endurance strengthened as we navigate the path of suffering, holding firm to the hope that Christ’s victory is our ultimate destination.
As servants of the Lord, we are called to carry the transformative message of suffering for Christ with us, knowing that in our endurance, we glorify the One who endured it all for our sake.
May God’s grace sustain us in every trial, and may our faith shine brightly as a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs the redemptive power of Christ.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Peter,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
