Sufferings of Christ

 Isaiah 43-45; 1 Peter 4

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter 4:12, 13

The Church in North Africa has paid, and is paying, a big price to know and follow Jesus. Young women who find Christ can be thrown out of their homes, beaten by their families, and face life on the street. Anyone who helps these sisters of ours will be charged by the police. Peter’s call to rejoice in this kind of suffering seems difficult to understand until he links them to the sufferings of Christ. Jesus understands the pain and rejection our sisters are suffering. One day they will share in Christ’s glory. The global family of God can learn much from the stories of faith, and stand with our sisters and brothers in the fire, wherever possible.

“Lord Jesus, your sufferings for me humble me and give me encouragement to keep walking by faith, for your glory.”