“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:13)

In our last devotion, we gave close attention to the Apostle Peter and his Counsel concerning fiery trials. And that Counsel was: “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”

We also have learned that as followers of Christ, we will have trials. But in those times of testing, what should our attitude be? Do we become bitter and resentful? Do we question God with an impious attitude? What do we do?

The Apostle gives this Counsel and Comfort:

The Counsel:

Rejoice (to be cheerful, i.e. calmly happy or well off – Strong’s)

We are to be cheerful, or happy, in the fact that we are partakers of our Lord Christ Jesus and His sufferings. It is through our sufferings that we are conformed into the Image of Christ. It is also through our sufferings that we understand some of what Christ suffered for us, that our salvation may be perfected through Him. The Captain of our salvation was made perfect through sufferings, thereby making our salvation perfect.

(Hebrews 2:9-10) “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  (10)  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

We cannot receive the crown without first bearing the cross. We will be faced with trials, some of more degree (fiery) than others. But it is the attitude that we have as we go through the fiery trials.

Paul wanted to have such an intimate relationship with the Lord that he made this statement:

(Philippians 3:10) “That I may know him (Christ), and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

Can we say that we want such an intimate relationship with Christ that we want to know Him in the fellowship of His sufferings?

The Comfort:

It is a comfort to know that as we rejoice in our fiery trials, and being partakers of Christ’s suffering, that when His glory be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy! Those who rejoice in the sufferings for Christ shall eternally triumph and rejoice with Him in Glory.

(2 Timothy 2:11-12) “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  (12)  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

What a thrill it will be to reign with Christ the King. But remember: no cross, no crown.

(James 1:12) “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

What a day that shall be!

Saints of the most-high God, let us rejoice in our sufferings for Christ; knowing that we are being conformed unto His image, and that when His Glory is revealed, we shall triumph and reign with Him.