Devotionals

Rejoicing in Suffering

by Dale Buchanan 
01/16/25
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

Devotional #44 in 1 Peter

 “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:13-14 KJV)

 How can a Christian find joy in suffering? Remember that this is not suffering because of sickness,  accident, or some normal life trial. Peter is talking about suffering because you have been a witness for Jesus Christ by your words and your lifestyle. Today, many Christians in hostile and restricted nations are suffering because they possessed a copy of the Bible, gave out a gospel tract, or attended an underground church worship service. Recently, I read of a Christian mother in Uganda who was beaten and then burned with acid by her Muslim husband because she had put her faith in Christ. In Nigeria, recently, a Christian was beheaded by Boko Haram simply for being identified as a Christian.

 God does not replace suffering with glory. He transforms suffering into glory and joy. Jesus illustrated this in John 16:20-22 telling of a woman giving birth. The baby that gave her pain then became her joy. God, the Holy Spirit, rests His glory on the believer during suffering. The persecutor speaks evil of you and the Lord, but God is glorified through your suffering. His power, presence, and glory rest upon you, joyfully enabling your endurance. Jesus endured suffering “for the joy that was set before Him.” (Hebrews 12:2).

 And that is why Paul could write, “Rejoice evermore.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16)