“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:13 (NIV)
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..”
Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
Whenever we go through a very difficult trial, it’s natural to wonder what God is up to. Through the wisdom of Peter and Paul, we can be assured that Jesus was inviting us to know Him in a deeper way, by uniting us to His suffering. He told us that we would go through similar trials that He went through, since servants are no greater than their master.
Suffering is not a popular topic in Sunday sermons. No one looks for suffering but when life brings it, the answers are found in the inspired words of Jesus, as well as in the writings of Peter and Paul. Instead of looking to escape suffering, if we unite ourselves to Jesus’ suffering, we will discover the power of His resurrection within us.
The drive for success among our current culture, exalts winners and high achievers while those who suffer are considered unfortunate. The world celebrates fame, wealth, intellect, talent, athletic strength, beauty and fitness as the goalposts of success, so it’s easy to become conformed to that mindset, and to interpret all suffering as failure.
Jesus assured us that His peace is not the kind that the world offers, and His idea of success isn’t either. Success in His kingdom is not based on the world’s standards, but in being transformed to Heaven’s standards. Jesus taught the most paradoxical ideas, like the last will be first, or those who lose their life will save it for eternity.
Peter and Paul also tell us that when we participate in Christ’s suffering, we participate in His glorious resurrection, and are filled with His power. To combine suffering with power is the most paradoxical combination of all, but it is unique only to Christianity. Peter and Paul, invite us in today’s scripture verses, to unite our suffering to Christ and then to expect a glorious revelation of resurrection power.
Paul did it and his ministry was so anointed that he would touch a handkerchief, which was then taken to sick people, and their illnesses were instantly cured. He never saw the people who were healed, but by touching his handkerchief, God’s power brought healing and deliverance to others. It’s mind boggling to think about, but it all starts with Jesus’ death on the cross and the power of His resurrection. (Acts 19:12)
Paul had a ‘handkerchief ministry,’ but Peter had a ‘shadow casting’ ministry. Whenever he walked down the street, sick people would line up, lying on cots, and as Peter’s shadow was cast over them, they were all miraculously cured. (Acts 5:15)
Despite the amazing stories of God working through Peter and Paul, both men suffered with various types of hardship, persecution and beatings. They each carried their own cross of suffering, while at the same time, they were empowered to spread faith and healing to the world, in Jesus’ name.
Our lives as believers will also include this odd combination of suffering and resurrection power.
We may not have a handkerchief or shadow casting ministry, but we all have something that the Spirit of God is developing in us, and He does it best through our suffering. It may seem like a paradox, but it’s the Jesus way.
We praise God when He answers our prayer, but our faith doesn’t deepen by getting all the things we ask for.
Spiritual endurance, growth and strength is most powerful, while we are facing the hardest trials of our life. That’s what Peter and Paul were trying to tell us in today’s scripture verses.
The most difficult times in our lives may feel like a mini death, but it will be followed by a mini resurrection. I experienced it after caring for a terminally ill husband, and again in watching the effect of a motorcycle accident on my son’s life. It’s like a mini death, but always followed by a mini resurrection, that raised me up with new strength and endurance.
These cycles of life deepen our identify with Christ, and help us to discover His resurrection power manifesting in new ways. We can trust that God is always doing something wonderful, through the mini resurrections in our lives.
Paul told believers that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and fellow heirs with Christ. He said that if we suffer with Him, we will be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16-17)
When we are overwhelmed with suffering, the Lord reminds us that we are a child of God and a fellow heir with Christ, united with Him. He seals us with His love, so that we can live in the power of His glorious resurrection.
Lord, comfort us with your love and wisdom to know the great value of identifying with you in all suffering, in order to discover your resurrection glory that is within us. Amen
