A Prayer About Suffering
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
Lord Jesus, this portion of your Word brings reality and relief to my heart. It brings the reality of knowing that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life. I “suffered” many years under the weight of a distorted theology-a theology that made Christians feel guilty for suffering any degree of illness, lack, loss, defeat, doubt, economic downturn, spiritual oppression, rebellious children, and the list goes on. But you tell me painful trials are not strange at all. Now a lot of that “word of faith” teaching seems more like a “word of fiefdom”-my little kingdom of personal peace and affluence.
I’m sure this is very good news for the big percentage of the Body of Christ spread throughout the world who daily suffer living conditions that would make my creature-comfort encrusted life wilt with whining. Indeed, Jesus, help me realize the aberration of the American “good life” and in place choose the gospel-driven “grace life.” I thank you for all the incredible things you allow me to enjoy where I live, but I do not want to presume on them as a right, rather receive them and steward them as a privilege.
The relief I find in this portion of your Word is the call to suffer with you. I am so thankful that the death you suffered on the cross was a once-and-for-all suffering, perfectly securing the salvation of your people. However, you are not a distant, disconnected, dispassionate Savior. You are presently making all things new and this involves meeting systemic and personal suffering head on. Where there is suffering, you are present. I praise you that you are making your blessings flow “far as the curse is found.”
Lastly, I am so thankful that your glory, indeed, will be revealed. There is a Day of no more suffering coming, and what a day of great rejoicing that will be! Until that Day, help me to set my hope fully on the grace to be given when you are revealed (1 Pet.1:13), and give me and my friends all the sufficient, sustaining, serving grace we need to suffer with you and for you, with JOY, until that much longed for Day! So very Amen!