The Way of the Cross

 

Around the world, Christians are being persecuted for their faith, and our hearts are moved with compassion to pray and to act when we are able. But maybe you've lost a loved one or experienced tragedy or betrayal, and you are tempted to say, "Why does God allow such evil? How am I supposed to deal with this?"

I came across these verses this morning in my daily reading that offer perspective: "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 . . . if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. . . so then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." I Peter 4:12-19

Whoa! These verses give perspective and prescription. Let's take a closer look!

1. Don't be surprised at suffering. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds . . ." James 1:2

2. Rejoice.  "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." Phil. 4:4

3. His glory will be revealed down the road.   "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." Phil. 1:12

4. You will have joy when God's purpose is accomplished.  "For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross . . ." Heb. 12:2

5. Don't be ashamed of suffering.  "Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame . . ."  Heb. 12:2

6. Praise God that you bear His name, Jesus.  The Apostles rejoiced that they were "counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41

7. Suffer according to God's will?? Yes (but not for a crime--or for meddling! vs. 14)  "But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. . ." I Pet. 2:19-21

8. Commit yourself to God. ". . .you should follow in His(Jesus) steps . . . He(Jesus) entrusted Himself to Him(God)  who judges justly." I Pet. 2:23

9. Continue to do good. "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate and show true humility toward all men. . . those who have trusted in God must be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good." Titus 3:1,8

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

10. Don't grumble or complain (or blame). "Do all things without grumbling and complaining (murmurings and disputings-KVJ), for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Phi. 2:14

" . . .when they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats." I Pet. 2:21

". . . greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold . . . may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. I Pet. 1:6-9