June 12 | 1 Peter 4:12-14
“Beloved, do not be astonished at your fiery test when it comes, as though something strange were happening to you. But insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that you may also rejoice and exult in the revelation of His glory. If you are reproached for Christ’s name, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4:12–14)
In college, my friends and I went on a camping trip. When we got to Oklahoma the grass was dry and brittle under our feet. We thought we could handle it until the winds knocked a piece of loose trash through the fire, and started a six acre brushfire. It headed toward our vehicles with gas in the tanks and I have never run so fast or scared in my life.
If you must suffer for Christ in fiery persecution I know the Lord will help you get through it. He gives us grace when we suffer for Him. When you suffer for Jesus’s name as a Christian you are suffering with Him. He is with you.
No one wants to suffer. The sign-up list for that event may not have any names on it. As you suffer for Christ, you know that He is coming for you in glory. You can rejoice even as you suffer because you know He is not far from coming for you.
Action Step: If you must endure persecution and suffering for the name and sake of Christ, He gives you the strength to endure it. His grace is there for you. Suffer valiantly for Him because He is worthy and brings you peace.
Jesus, if I find myself in a situation of suffering for You give me the grace and strength to suffer in a way worthy of Your name. Like Stephen, the first martyr, I want to see Your glory.
