“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”
There are some things to remember regarding suffering. I found this summary of some of Peter’s reflections on suffering to be helpful in his letter.
1) It is temporary. (1:6) It will not last. When we think of suffering it is usually short lived. We need to have eternity in mind. Peter has been through it all and reminds us to see the bigger picture.
2) Suffering is a means of character building. (1:7) All through the Bible we are told how suffering is used to perfect us and make us stronger and more faithful. Are you willing to let God teach you and mold you, like he did Peter to be a better servant?
When Peter was on the water, he needed to learn to keep following Jesus not his fears. When he was in the garden, he needed to learn to trust the power of Christ, not the sword. When he was in the courtyard, he needed to learn his weakness. He learned the power through grace.
3) Suffering can be a means of faith testing. (1:7) Gold has to be tried and tested and purified with fire so it can be stronger and cleaner and firmer than even before. Testing is a means of determining if our faith is genuinely in Christ or just religion?
4) Suffering can be a sign you are following and obeying the Lord and the world does not like it. (4:12) Christians’ call to commitment will include suffering of some type. Persecution is rewarded in glory.
5) Suffering brings us to the Word of God. Peter tells them to prepare their minds. (1:22-25) The promises of the Bible remind us of truth and ultimate victory. God has set forth an expression of His will in a general way in the Bible and He has given us the Holy Spirit in order that we might be guided into all truth. Don’t trust your emotions.
6) Suffering allows us to seek the Lord and His will in our lives. (4:19) It causes us to re-evaluate what are our priorities and what ought to change. Suffering brings people to their knees before God. The Holy Spirit dwells within and He is our guide. Pray for wisdom.
7) Suffering makes heaven seem even more inviting. (1:3,4) If someone is saved, we know this is not our home. We know there are greater things to come and we get even more anxious to go and be with Christ.
Peter knows first-hand of which he writes.
Application: Reflect upon those trials that brought you to a new level of faith.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for loving me so much that You grow my faith throughout my walk with You.
