Viewing Our Pain From His Perspective

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you … But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ.
1 Peter 4:12-13

“Misery loves company.” That maxim is often invoked but seldom enjoyed. Yet when the “company” happens to be Jesus Christ, your suffering need not be burdensome. His own suffering and death will help you put your pain in perspective.

Peter’s original audience had already learned this firsthand. John Calvin tells us how to prepare for similar times of trouble today. Read his words slowly, aloud, looking for the focus that provides hope in the midst of fiery ordeals.

WALK WITH JOHN CALVIN
“In order that we may be prepared when we encounter persecutions, we should accustom ourselves to such situations by meditating continually on the cross.

“Peter proves to us that the cross is useful to us by two arguments: that God thus tries our faith, and that we become thus partakers with Christ.

“In the first place, let us remember that the trial of our faith is most necessary, and that we ought thus to obey God willingly who provides for our salvation.

“However, the chief consolation is to be derived from a fellowship with Christ.

“It is a twofold joy, one part which we now enjoy in hope, and the other being the full fruition of which the coming of Christ shall bring to us. The first is mingled with grief and sorrow; the second is connected with exultation.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
In difficult times, the cross of Christ becomes a haven of consolation. Why?

Because there you realize your own suffering is small by comparison, there you discover joy to come when the troubles are over, there you find that the glory of heaven will one day replace the gloom of earth.

So take heart! “Do not be surprised … but rejoice”! The best is yet to come.