Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

If you ever thought following Jesus would be all rainbows and butterflies, Peter quickly crushes that thought in verses 12-19 of this chapter. In addition to writing about suffering as a witness FOR Jesus, Peter writes here about suffering AND a future hope - discussed more in chapter 5.

Peter is not the only early follower of Jesus who writes about suffering being a Christian. We must pay attention to what is being said when Scripture repeats itself. James (Jesus’ brother) also writes about suffering in his letter. James chapter 1 says to “count it all joy” when being persecuted for Jesus. Even Jesus himself says, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way” (Matthew 5:11-12). Even Jesus suffered. One might argue that he suffered the worst persecution.

This is why we don’t need to feel shame when persecution happens. This is why we can find an opportunity for joy. Being persecuted for Jesus is being persecuted with Jesus. We are never alone. Jesus is in every blessing and every pain. He is in every high and every low.

Because Jesus is always with us, we can keep doing what is right and pleasing to God. People will fail us, but God never will.

Reflection Questions

1. How does knowing Jesus also suffered change your perspective on suffering and persecution?
2. Are you able to see Jesus in every high and every low?
3. What does it mean for you that God never fails?