Sorry that I’ve been MIA from the blog lately. Right after Easter, we headed off to Florida for a nice beach vacation — the three of us and my sister, Karen. (Vacation pictures and videos coming soon!) When we returned last week, we had to jump right back into school, work and home projects. And I missed some BSF. So I haven’t had a chance to post until now.
Since my last post, we finished the book of James and started the book of I Peter. This week we finished the book of I Peter. This is such a practical book because it provides suggestions we can put into practice, especially regarding the suffering frequently experienced in the Christian life. Peter lived through this persecution and used his experiences to encourage the believers in the early church as they struggled through their own tough times.
Peter tells us that we should model ourselves after Christ. He didn’t just “get through” the suffering; He walked through it because He knew it was God’s will. We should do the same.
Suffering should change our focus and our actions. No longer should we live like the world; instead we should be holy because God is holy. We should praise God for our sufferings and be joyful in them because they identify us as God’s children and because they allow us to take part in Christ’s sufferings. What is my attitude as I walk through trials and sufferings?
Other people are watching me as I suffer for righteousness sake. Verses 6 to 9 in chapter 5 offer some practical steps to take in the midst of suffering: walk in humility, cast all anxiety on Him, be self-controlled, resist the devil and stand firm in the faith. No matter my position in life, someone is always watching me. What is my example to others as I endure suffering for God’s glory?