“Beloved friends, if life gets extremely difficult. with many test. don’t be bewildered as
though something strange were overwhelming you. Instead, continue to rejoice, for you, in a measure, have shared in the sufferings of the Anointed One so that you can share in the revelation of his glory and celebrate with even greater gladness! If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are greatly blessed, because the Spirit of glory and power, who is the Spirit of God, rests upon you. Let none of you merit suffering as a murderer, or thief, or criminal, or as one who meddles in the affairs of others. So then, those who suffer for following God’s will should enfold their lives into the Creator, who will never fail them, and continue to always do what is right.” 1 Peter 4:12-16,19 TPT
When life is good and all is well, it is easy to live and love as we should in all that we do, and in whatever we are attempting to achieve. or accomplish. On the other hand. how many of us realize that in today’s world, that is almost unheard of. This could be to our advantage, since our Father assures us that we never have to go through our struggles. or anything else that would bring us down, alone.
In this passage, Peter is reminding us that when life tends to get difficult, regardless of the cause, Christ will send his Spirit to comfort and give us strength. Throughout the Bible, we find that trusting God. whether in good or bad times, no matter the mess we find ourselves facing, we know that our Heavenly Father will lead us. In and through him we can overcome fear, depression, anger, unforgiveness. and sorrow. He is always available for our healing and to calm our storms, and it’s in him that we have the promise of hope, which can be ours for the asking.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that no matter the circumstance, you remain available to see us through, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret