CHALLENGED BY SUFFERING (1 PETER 4:12-19)

CHALLENGED BY SUFFERING (1 PETER 4:12-19) REFLECTION The theme for our reflection is “Challenged by Suffering” Challenged by suffering means to facing hardship or to be confronted with discomfort. We shall focus on the fact the Christian would have to endure suffering but remain faithful to the end. Dear friend in Christ, Peter is encouraging…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Mar 29, 2025

2–3 minutes

CHALLENGED BY SUFFERING (1 PETER 4:12-19)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Challenged by Suffering” Challenged by suffering means to facing hardship or to be confronted with discomfort. We shall focus on the fact the Christian would have to endure suffering but remain faithful to the end.

Dear friend in Christ, Peter is encouraging believers that our in our calling to become children of God, we shall be challenged by suffering, however, we must remain faithful to the end. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13) In other words, we see suffering as a test of our faithfulness to God. Jesus remains our perfect example of endurance in suffering. Jesus was also greatly challenged by suffering but he remained faithful to God when He said “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Unfortunately, some of us give up and compromise our faith when we are challenged by suffering. Beloved in the Lord would retaliate when you are hated, slandered, betrayed or conspired against? What is your attitude towards suffering? Peter admonished us when he said “if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:16-19) Dear friend in Christ, although we may be greatly challenged by suffering, Jesus assures us that “…the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

In summary, we have discovered that the Christian must endure suffering but remain faithful to the end.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit grant us the strength to endure challenges in the name of Jesus. Amen.