Suffering for God's Glory

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of golry and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed , but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgement to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first. What will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." 1 Peter 4:12-19 NASB

 

Hey! As christians we are called to suffer for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We think sometimes that it is strange when we go through trials. We demand quick justice when we are wronged. We cannot handle the trials, we cannot endure the persecution. Why do we become upset the Holy Spirit dwells in us and we are a new creation. Rather than be upset, put down or give up durring our trials we should rejoice.  Are we not baptized by the Holy Spirit and saved by the grace of Christ's blood? We are a new being, a different creation there is no time for giving up; go outside the city walls and bare the same suffering that Christ bore. The end is near and not far from now the return of Christ will come so live for Christ and rejoicing in suffering in the short time you have left.  In the NASB Romans 13:11, "Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed".  As disciples of Christ we should be suffering in trials, in fact the Bible promises that we will suffer for the name of Christ and will be persecuted for accomplishing the Lord's will. I encourage everyone of you not to be afraid, have you forgotten that you belong to a God who is the God of all comfort? Please do not be fearful for in the Lord there is no fear. But stand strong during these times knowing that your feet are planted on the rock and all other ground is sinking sand. I know christians that have wronged myself and God by being afraid to stand up for the truth.  When men slander and lie and curse as christian we must stand for what is right and true according to the word of God. Peter writes in verse 19 of 1 peter chapter 4, "Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right". Why are we afraid to stand up for what is right? You must entrust your soul to a faithful Creator; and He is faithful so trust Him with your very soul. You will have justice and God promises it to you, live to die to yourself daily pick up your cross and follow Christ. He will never fail, He will never change, He will always comfort, and His love will never fail. If you can't stand up for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ than you have no faith at all.