Is your life perfect?
Of course not.
Does everything go your way every day?
Uh, nope!
Do you experience frustrations and maybe something worse?
Just about every single day (at least the frustrations part).
You know life isn’t perfect.
Everyone has problems and goes through things they’d rather not have happen.
There are days when it seems nothing goes your way, and sometimes, it doesn’t even go right half the time!
And then there are some days that seem worse… when it’s difficult to find the strength to barely get through.
Now, I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but …
… as a follower of Jesus Christ, your day can be filled with even more trials.
But don’t think you’re the only person going through what seems to be unusually tough times.
No matter what is happening in your life, you’re not the only one, and you’re not alone!
There Will Be Trouble – But Consider it Pure Joy!
As a believer in and follower of Jesus, you will have trouble. Jesus knew this so well that He told us in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This promise has held true throughout history. Christians have been persecuted and killed over their faith.
Now, I know this doesn’t sound good. But believe me when I say your eternal destination is 100% worth any trouble you experience here on Earth!
When it comes to suffering, the apostle James gives us wise counseling on how we should feel:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy!” Don’t ever forget this!
Help is Available
Whenever you’re going through difficult times, remember there are many resources available to you.
They can be doctors, therapists, a local agency, your best friend, and even your pets are comforting!
And we’re expected to use these resources!
But there is only one resource that stands way above the rest.
And that’s the Holy Bible.
You can find every lesson in life in this book.
Just as Christ Suffered, You Will Suffer
I know this isn’t what you want to hear, so remember, “Consider it pure joy!”
The apostle Peter offers profound insights into the nature of suffering as a Christian and its proper response.
1 Peter 2:19-23 begins with a challenging statement:
“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.” – 1 Peter 2:19 NIV
Here, the apostle Peter acknowledges that suffering is real and that God sees you (and is with you) as you go through it. He goes on to explain how praiseworthy it is to endure “unjust suffering.”
No one wants suffering or pain. I get that.
Peter goes on to clearly distinguish between suffering resulting from wrongdoing and suffering from righteousness.
“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” – 1 Peter 2:20 NIV
Now, if you do something wrong, you deserve the punishment. Period.
However, if you experience suffering as a Christ follower, you should embrace this as an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness to God. This suffering will also strengthen your faith!
Peter continues by giving the best example … that of Christ Himself! He endured unjust suffering with remarkable patience and humility.
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21 NIV
In these verses, Peter reminds us that, as believers, suffering will happen.
However, Peter also emphasizes that, through Christ’s example, you are equipped to navigate suffering with grace and dignity.
There Is No Getting Even
When someone does something wrong to you, your first instinct is to get even.
Well, that’s a big NO-NO.
We need to handle problems precisely as Jesus handled them.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” – 1 Peter 2:23 NIV
No matter how badly you want to “get even” with the person who hurt you or is causing you pain, don’t do it. Give up control and trust God – with all types of suffering.
Following Christ’s example of non-retaliation and trust in God and His justice can help you find strength and resilience when facing adversity. His example should give you the confidence and understanding that, ultimately, God is in control.
Model Your Life Through Christ’s Example
In verse 24, Peter shows that Christ’s suffering has redemptive powers:
“’ He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” – 1 Peter 2:24 NIV
Through His sacrificial death, Christ provides a model for you when you experience suffering. He offers redemption and healing to all who believe in him.
This example changes how you should look at “suffering” and gives your faith a more profound meaning. This type of suffering provides a pathway to spiritual growth and restoration.
What You Should Have Learned From This
There are four valuable lessons the apostle Peter gives us in 1 Peter 2:19-23:
- Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience (we all know this), but it’s not without purpose. When approached with faith and humility, suffering can serve as a catalyst for spiritual transformation—not only in you but also in those around you.
- The example of Christ provides a model for how to respond to suffering with grace, patience, and trust in God’s sovereignty.
- Suffering has redemptive potential, offering opportunities for healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace.
- Entrusting yourself to God amid suffering is vital. This trust gives you strength and hope.
This passage offers timeless wisdom and encouragement when facing any difficulty. By following Christ’s example and entrusting yourself to God, you can find strength, resilience, and hope in the face of challenges and suffering.
Don’t get this wrong … not everything you go through is a direct cause of being a follower of Jesus. Some things are 100% brought on by you – by your choices. Or simply because you live in a fallen world (as we all do). Rest assured, this topic will be covered later.
But no matter what you’re going through, the experience will teach you valuable lessons and strengthen your faith.
And always remember … make Jesus and the Bible your first resource for help! God is good!