Hope Beyond Trials & Suffering
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed,for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s willshould commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Video for this Service can be viewed @ May 22, 2022
“For the joy set before him (Jesus) he endured the cross…”
Hebrews 12:2
What is the secret that brings joy and hope to those who have experienced significant suffering and various difficult trials in their lives?
I used to think that suffering was a form of punishment because my faith was not strong enough. I believed it was Satan’s greatest tool to make us turn away from God and seek an easier path in this life. But while he does try to use suffering as a weapon against us, his desire is that we never discover the overwhelming joy that comes when we depend on God even more during these times! He has spent thousands of years causing pain and suffering only to have it worked for undeniable good to those who turn to Jesus (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28).
The apostle Paul, for instance, was imprisoned over and over, beaten with rods, slandered by his enemies, flogged with lashes five times, stoned almost to death, often deprived of food, water, shelter, and sleep — “in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers” (2 Corinthians 11:26) — and yet always rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10). The chief of prisoners could write from the loneliness, injustice, and distress of his cell, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
Those who walked closely with Jesus LEARNED something amazing about suffering... it could produce overwhelming joy and hope. James even starts off his book with these words, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”.
I am witnessing more and more men and women like Paul, Peter, and James today, braving inconceivable trials — conflict and cancer, betrayal and abandonment, persecution and loss — who have great hope and joy in God. They show a different face to trials and suffering. If we look to Jesus when we’re thrown into the wilderness of suffering, he will lead us to secret sanctuaries of peace, strength, hope, and joy.
Grateful to journey together with you,
Pastor John
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