13. But rejoice that 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 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 16. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Part of the purpose of suffering is to help determine if our faith is in religion, church, or Jesus Christ. If it is in Christ, we are committed to Him regardless of what happens. Faith is gone quickly when the seed falls on shallow ground and doesn’t take root. When the hot sun comes out it is scorched and dries up. Part of the purpose of human suffering for Jesus’ sake is to reveal in our hearts true faith but as an example to others as well.           

In an article in the Standard magazine, Pastor Terry White told of his severe house fire. His daughter called him from his sleep.  As he threw open the door there was heaving rolling wall of orange flames. Her bed, wall and ceiling were an inferno He shouted for everyone to get outside quickly and ran across the hall to call 911 at 3:13 AM Sunday morning.

           

His house and virtually all his possessions were destroyed by fire that night, set aflame by a candle which was left burning after a storm and power outage. They were heartbroken over the damage and destruction of a perfectly lovely home - now only charred insulation, gaping holes in the roof and floors sopping wet. The pain of lost history, mementos, photos and sentimental gifts were the hardest.    

They were showered with gifts from church members and friends. What did the Whites learn?

            1}Things are not as important as relationships- All family members escaped without serious injury or death. God had a plan for them and they seem more aware of it now than before.

            2) They now were called upon be to gracious receivers. It was humbling to have well-meaning friends (and even strangers) tramping through smoking ruins, looking in the ashes of closets and dressers drawers. It is humbling to accept gifts and love from so many and receive it gratefully.

            3) The fire made them more sensitive to others' hurt. Having experienced this trauma helped them to better identify with others who are in crisis. There were episodes of frustration, anger, nostalgia and emotional pain.

            4) They had to learn to hold possessions lightly. Though they never considered themselves materialists, they now realized they owned far more than really needed. Lots of it was junk. They learned to live on a simpler scale. Jesus speaking of the rich fool in Luke 12:15 said, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possession."             

This is one type of suffering which allows God's purposes to be tested and is the trial grounds to perfect us. Then there is also the persecution that the Bible calls partaking in the sufferings of Jesus.  We will look at that tomorrow.  

Application:  Reflect and thank God for what you have learned in various trials you may have had in life. 

Prayer:   Lord, while trials seem hard and I would wish I would not have to face them, I am thankful for the things You taught me in them that lead me closer to You.  In that, I can rejoice in my suffering.