Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Suffering and joy aren’t likely to be mentioned in the same breath. From a human point of view, that is. But our logic is not God’s logic. Typically, Scripture brings together what we consider a paradox. The Apostle Peter doesn’t think it’s paradoxical at all when he writes, “Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings.”

My Study Bible’s introduction to 1 Peter says: “It is apparent from the letter that the readers were suffering persecution for their faith. Their sufferings were the trials common to first-century Christians and included insults and slanderous accusations of wrongdoing.” They suffered because of following Christ. That notion will help us understand the paradox. Peter isn’t talking about the general suffering of all creation in a sinful world. He doesn’t talk about diseases, natural disasters, or conflicts. What he means is the suffering Christ’s followers endure because of professing their faith.

Suffering has a purpose, even though we don’t see it. As always, Christ is the perfect example. He suffered the most painful death one could think of, bearing the brunt of the evil He didn’t commit. Pointless, in human eyes. Yet only His sacrifice could appease the righteous wrath of the Lord God. That was the purpose!

And now, Peter writes that we should consider it an honor to suffer for the cause of Jesus Christ. Writing this in the comfort of my home in a safe and peaceful country, I must admit that I hardly understand what that means. I know countless brothers and sisters in various places around the world who, at this very moment, suffer from cruelty. I feel uneasy and unfit to tell them that their suffering is an honor.

Thankfully, these are not my words. It’s Peter, who suffered himself and was crucified upside down, who tells you this. Ultimately, it’s the Lord Jesus Christ, who succumbed under His suffering, who comforts you. That’s why Peter can add, “When His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

We can endure the suffering, because we have our eyes fixed on that great goal: to share in Christ’s glory when He returns. Or, as Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). That’s why we, even amid suffering, can be glad with exceeding joy. Let’s encourage each other today with that glorious perspective. Maranatha!

Anton de Vreugd, BLI global staff, the Netherlands