When you’re undergoing difficult times, writes the Apostle Peter, have these two attitudes: First, don’t be surprised by them—I always am! Second, rejoice in them—something I have a hard time doing! Listen to Peter’s words:
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)
These verses tell me that trials are normal, not unusual. I always think life should go along smoothly, and it sometimes does for a while. But sooner or later, an illness, a financial need, a personal criticism or whatever hits me, and I’m always surprised.
But “rejoicing” in the middle of trials is even more foreign to me than not being surprised by them. My thesaurus gives me the word, “celebrate,” as a synonym for “rejoice”—can you believe it? Celebrate your trials?
Well, I’m glad at least Peter didn’t say we’re to rejoice because of our trials. No, we’re to rejoice that through suffering, we’re identified with Christ in His sufferings. While I don’t exactly understand all that means, it speaks of close relationship, and I can rejoice in that closeness to the One who died for me!
In the meantime, the Bible promises if we suffer, He will comfort us. Our heavenly Father is the “Father of compassion and the God who comforts us in all our troubles.” God is going to let His comfort overflow from your life to help others. We’ll be able to comfort others with the same comfort that God uses to comfort us. That’s reason for joy in tough times!
