1 Peter 3:13-22: Next week I will be speaking to pastor’s wives at the Mississippi Baptist convention on Joy in the Journey. As I have been preparing I have been brought back to verses like these.

1 Peter 3:12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

It is so hard to keep our eyes on eternity when the fire is fierce right where we are. But what a great reminder that fiery trials are to be expected for a Child of God. Jesus went through suffering and as His child we will too. It is just going to be a part of our world. As a child of the King we can rejoice though that we were counted worthy to suffer.

What we experience can be suffering, but as my sweet husband says often “It could be worse.” As believers here in the US we may suffer, but compared to what other believers in closed nations are going through, we can rejoice that ours is not as severe. We can also pray for our fellow believers in places where beheadings, hangings and worse are practiced daily. In your struggle know the Father knows your pain and will be your strength. You also have a family of believers around you. Don’t be afraid to ask for prayer support from them.