Gospel Outreach International

If God loves us, why does following him sometimes cost us so much? Maybe you have faced opposition, a hard season, or a quiet sense that faith was meant to feel easier than this. In this study we will look at what Peter says to believers who were going through exactly that, and discover that hardship is not the opposite of God’s care. It may be one of the places where his purpose for you comes into view. So grab a pen, settle in, and let’s find out together what the Bible really says about hard times, and why Peter dares to speak of rejoicing.

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13

• Persecution and trials are a normal part of the Christian life, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
• Believers are told not to be surprised by the fiery ordeal, because testing is expected.
• Suffering for Christ can be met with rejoicing, because it means sharing in what he went through.
• Throughout history, Christians have suffered for their faith, and many still do around the world today.
• Looking at the scope of persecution, rather than only its intensity, gives a different view of the great tribulation.
• Christians hold different views on the timing of Christ’s return, and each person is encouraged to search the Scriptures for themselves.
• The word for witness is the same as the word for martyr, so being a witness can carry a real cost.
• Jesus never promised a life of ease, wealth or constant comfort; he called his followers to take up their cross.
• Teaching that promises health, wealth and happiness leaves out a large part of what the Bible says.
• God’s will for believers is that they become like Christ, and trials are one way he shapes that character.
• Nothing can touch a believer unless God allows it, and he allows it for a purpose.
• Treasure stored up in heaven matters more than comfort here on earth.
• Suffering for wrongdoing brings no honour, but suffering for living a godly life does.
• Sometimes opposition comes from within churches, so prayer for believers everywhere is vital.
• Christian life is a battle, and the two weapons are the Word and prayer.
• The Spirit of glory rests on those who suffer for Christ, so they can face hardship with strength and fruitfulness.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 1 Peter 4:16

So where does all this leave us? Right in the hands of Jesus. He never promised us an easy road, but he walked a harder one himself, and he did it for the joy set before him, which includes us. Whatever you are facing, you are not forgotten or picked on. You are being held by the One who went to the cross for you, and who is patiently shaping you to look more like him. Hold onto that, and you will find you can face the road ahead with a quiet, steady joy.

Bible References

• 1 Peter 4:12-19
• 1 Peter 4:12-14
• John 21
• Acts 1:8
• John 16:33
• 1 John 3
• Psalm 34:7
• Hebrews 12:2
• Jude