S138P1 – To suffer gladly: glorious fruit

1 Pet. 4:12-13

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

He was born during a time of great darkness in the land.  His mother would tell him stories about the men on whom they waited to bring them freedom.  She spoke of his father and his brother, who had gone away for a time but who would return shortly to reestablish order.  He waited for them patiently, but the land just worsened as the years passed.  As he waited, he was pressured to conform to the ways of that time, but he refused.  He lived by his family’s standard, which was the old way, and he paid the price.  From being ostracized to losing that which was rightfully his, he suffered greatly, but he knew that the restoration of righteous rule would bring his restoration as well.  It would be worth the wait. 

We currently live in a state of waiting.  We understand that this world and its systems are only for a time.  We exist in this state, but this state will not last.   While we wait, we fight against the spirit of this age, and we are clearly not of its kind.  As we take that stand, we will encounter fierce opposition.  We suffer and do so greatly, but we are to bear it gladly because our suffering is not the end.  We know that our Father will send his Son in his glory when the fullness of time is reached, and we will share in that glory upon his return if we are faithful. [Mt. 16:24-28]  Yes, we will be shown to be right because we have waited upon the righteous one.  We might be treated as fools today, but the wisdom of our faith will be proven true on that day.

It is quite telling that this fiery trial is described as something strange falling upon us.  It very well might seem strange because we expect good things from God.  We expect that our faithfulness will bring joy and peace and protection instead of fiery trial, but it is not strange at all.  This time of testing is only for a time and is for a purpose.  It is the way of the Christian life and should be expected as par for the course.  Just as expected should be the return of our Lord in glory and the rewards He will have prepared for the faithful who love him.  Father, remind us of the reasons why we should count it as joy to be tested by fire, and help us to keep our eyes on that glorious return.