“12- Beloved, think it not
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you: 13- 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.” (I Peter 4:12- 13 King James Version)
Christ’s suffering in the flesh is not a
pattern for Christians to follow. But as believers, we must condition our hearts
and minds that suffering is a part of Christian life. Many of us have at least
a ring or rings that we proudly wear. It’s a ring that changed your life. After
you wear that wedding ring; your life will never be the same again. But to
those who have been married whether for a while or recently; you already know
what I mean.
Now, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus
Christ, you will have suffering, even if you’re living a holy, consecrated and
devoted life for God. Don’t be afraid of suffering, because it means we are partakers
of Christ’s sufferings. You must be ready for what God has in stored for you. It
means that it is a privilege and an honor for those who are going through
hardship for the name of Christ and for the sake of Christianity. You must also
be ready on what the devil has for you.
Our Christian life will be filled with rings. We will have all kinds of offerings, all types of sufferings, and we must stay on God’s ring! (I Peter 4:12- 16) May we would be
like Apostle Paul, who, in spite of what he went through and at the end of his
life said; “But watch thou in all
things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of
thy ministry. 6- For I am now ready
to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7- I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have
kept the faith:” (II Timothy 4:5- 7 KJV)
