I once heard or read something that simply asked this question, "Why not me?" Ouch! Makes me think, how about you? It's true, though, why not me? Why shouldn't I go through something? Why shouldn't you? We're all alike. We're not too high and mighty to have calamity. I'm not too special to have some major catastrophe in my life. None of us are. We're all the same.
Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the fiery troubles that are coming in order to test you. Don’t feel as though something strange is happening to you, but be happy as you share Christ’s sufferings. Then you will also be full of joy when he appears again in his glory. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Most likely nothing we will go through will even compare to what Christ went through, yet when we are hurting and suffering, we can reflect back to what he went through. The verse above says we can "share" in His sufferings. Perhaps as we "share" them, we will appreciate them even more.
It's really hard to see people suffer. It's hard to suffer, ourselves. But oftentimes, the suffering brings us closer to the Savior, and that's right where we need to be.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory—the Spirit of God—is resting on you.
If you suffer, you shouldn’t suffer for being a murderer, thief, criminal, or troublemaker. If you suffer for being a Christian, don’t feel ashamed, but praise God for being called that name. 1 Peter 4:14-16
Once I heard that in a sermon and it's always stuck with me. When we have had some trials, I tried to think that way and it's hard but good to remember that everyone has hardship - if you haven't you will! Our example is everything.
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