Share the Sufferings of Christ

1 Peter 4:12,13 says, "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".

I had my third session of chemo today and as I walked through the door of the Oncology office, I had to take a deep breath. Because I knew that the treatment they were planning to issue to me would create a suffering in my body for the remainder of the day and on into the week, as it tore down my bodies defense system and allowed me to experience extreme pain and fatigue. I arrived home from today's treatment and just like all of the other times, retired immediately to my recliner to sleep and rest from the fight that waged on the inside. Some of you can understand what I mean when I refer to it as the "fight that waged on the inside". As the body gets weaker, the fight becomes more difficult until there are times when you cannot even raise your shield with your arms, for being so weak. And that is just why the Lord wants us to "hide" His word deep in our hearts. So that when we reach this stage of suffering physically, we still have the ability to quote, if only in our hearts, the verses and promises He has given us. Like the one above in verse 13; ..."to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ". Here Jesus allows us to look at the pain as His pain as we "suffer with Christ". Ever think of that? But from the cross Jesus suffered our pain, our sin, our misfortunes, just so we could be free from them someday. Oh, they are here on this earth, but guess what? This earth is not our home; we are only passing through.

He goes on in verse 14 to say "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you". Its hard for us as "finite" beings to think of God's Glory "resting upon us". But that is just what the promise conveys! Our rest comes from the "Finished" work of Christ, on the Cross of Calvary (John 19:30 "It Is Finished").

Some of us will go on hurting, suffering, experiencing pain from this world. But Jesus says to ALL of us "...take courage, for I have overcome the world". That means You Win, Man! Take courage in your Lord Jesus because He has come to Set You Free! And you can take that to the bank.

My prayer is for God's peace for you tonight (or whenever you read this). He is standing right beside you and will not abandon you. You are truly blessed of God.

Your friend, Dave