1 Peter 4:14 NIV
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Contrary to popular belief, Peter presents suffering for one’s faith as something positive in this verse. He views such hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth and a closer connection with Christ.
Going through tough times because of our faith tests our commitment and aligns us with the suffering Christ Himself endured. The presence of the Holy Spirit makes this connection even more powerful. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to push through and ultimately share in Christ’s glory.
When we endure suffering for Christ, we are blessed because the Spirit of God rests on us. While it may not seem like a blessing at the moment, it will surely lead to a greater reward. Rather than feeling discouraged, we should trust in the Lord and rely on His grace to overcome our challenges.
Therefore, let’s encourage ourselves to look at hard times differently. Let’s try and find more meaning in them by committing to our faith and staying strong, even when things get tough. As we do that, we will reflect God’s remarkable power and glory through us. It’s as if we are adorned with an invisible yet impressive cape that reveals the magnificence of God to others.
One Comment
Leave a Comment
It’s so true even I have faced endless hardship from childhood and I was not even closer to God
Now as I’m closer to God , I feel more hardship and I’m completely fine because I remember pastor Johnson saying in one of his sermon that even he being so blessed and anointed he goes through hardship because hardship connects us with God surely god has planned something great for us
If we need to come out of hardship we need to go through it and with Christ by our side everything is possible
We expect things to happen in our way
But my friend what God has planned for us is beyond everything
I have experienced this in my life and my thrilled