“But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when His glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13)
Read 1 Peter 4:12–16.
Reading the world news can be overwhelming, can’t it? We see a world that is hurting; war, invasions, persecution and racism invade our news feeds continuously.
The epistle of 1 Peter is a great way to answer where God is in these moments. It was written to Christians living across Asia Minor who were experiencing the same things we are seeing in the world today — persecution, rejection and suffering because of their faith. These believers were a small minority in a wider Roman culture that did not understand or accept their way of life. They faced social exclusion, public criticism and, in some cases, legal trouble.
In verses 12–16, Peter tells believers not to be surprised when they face hardships because of their faith. “But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when His glory is revealed” (verse 13). This persecution should be met with joy because we are suffering with Christ. Peter’s message is clear: Keep going. Stay faithful, because God is faithful to us.
God is at work in faithfulness. God’s faithfulness to us.
This is the promise that runs through all of Scripture. In Deuteronomy, Moses tells Israel: “He will not fail you or forsake you.” In Joshua, God repeats it: “I will not fail you or forsake you.” Isaiah declares: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Jesus echoes it: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” And Hebrews reminds the Early Church: “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Peter’s readers were suffering. They were isolated. They may have even wondered if God had forgotten them. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, forgotten or alone. If that is the case, then remember God is faithful and at work in that. This faithfulness means God’s promises are kept. It means God does not abandon people. It means that when we have nothing left, God is there, still holding us and always present.
God is faithful, God is at work, and God loves you.
Prayer
Pray in encouragement to God, in humbleness: Thank You for Your faithfulness; help us to trust that You are with us, especially when we feel alone. Amen.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
