Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
When the author of Hebrews wrote "For the joy set before him he [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Heb. 12:2b-3), he could have been writing an outline for how Peter viewed the Christian life. Jesus had hope, joy, suffering, shame and victory. For Peter we also have hope, joy, suffering, shame and victory. Jesus himself said, "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." (John 15:20)
We aren't the only ones with these worries: we're all struggling because we share the same enemy-the devil. We keep tossing these worries to God and the very act of tossing is an act of faith. It is really difficult to assume this. It seems so blind. However, unlike the promises of investment firms, past performance by God is a guarantee of future returns from God. Will we trust him?
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