Every Monday, CEPAD staff meet to reflect on Scripture before diving into our work for the week. This week’s passage was 1 Peter 4:12-19.

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. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or their 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. For it is time for judgement 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? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 

Peter is writing to relatively new believers, who may be shocked by the persecution they receive. That’s why Peter gives two main instructions for the suffering we are promised:

• Do not be surprised. While we have eternal hope in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are not promised that life will be easy. Facing trials should be expected. During these times, Christians was a name given to the believers by those outside of the faith. They didn’t decide to start calling themselves Christians. It was often seen as an insult. Peter is letting these new believers know that they should not be surprised or caught off guard by suffering.
• Do not be sorrowful. Peter encourages these new believers, that while it’s uncomfortable, going through suffering or tests, means that they will also share in God’s triumph when he comes again. Peter instructs them to be “overjoyed” and “unashamed”.

Just as Peter was writing this to new believers, his words can also be an encouragement to us all, regardless of how long or short your faith journey has been. When trials come, and they will, we need to be grounded in our hope and knowledge that our God is good, even when it doesn’t feel like it, even when He feels far away, He is always near.