Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Rejoice in suffering for His Name 

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19 

Key verse: But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed 


DEVOTION

 

Suffering isn't something we naturally embrace. It unsettles us, weakens us, and often leads us to question where God is in the midst of it. Yet Peter writes with a striking boldness that challenges our instinctive response: “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.” 
Why would he say that? Because for those who follow Christ, suffering in His name isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of belonging. When we face rejection, persecution, or isolation because of our faith, we’re actually being honored with the opportunity to walk the same path Jesus did. He, too, was rejected, ridiculed, and ultimately crucified. 
Peter doesn't ignore the pain. He calls it what it is—a “fiery trial.” But he also gives us a reason to hold on: our suffering isn’t meaningless. It's a test—a refining process, like gold purified in fire (see 1 Peter 1:7). As we endure suffering with trust in God and a commitment
to doing what is right, we begin to reflect Jesus more clearly. And we live with a deeper anticipation of the joy that will be ours “when His glory is revealed.” 
In other words, the suffering of today isn’t the final chapter. There is glory ahead—and its weight and beauty will far surpass the heaviness of today’s trials (see 2 Cor. 4:17). 
 

PRAYER

Lord, when trials come because of Your name, help us not to shrink back, but to rejoice. Give us the grace to see suffering as a sign that we are walking in Your footsteps. Strengthen our heart to endure, and let our lives shine with the hope of the coming glory. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY


so we stand now in prayer under the shadow of the cross realizing that this is the only place we could ever find true contentment amid the difficulties of life's trials and heartaches.


Allan Varghese Epiphany Mar Thoma Church

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