A common misconception about following Jesus leads one to believe that all your problems are over—smooth sailing from here on. But our faith does not remove challenges from our lives, rather we now walk beside Jesus through them.

Peter wrote to folks confused about this issue: Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that has come upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you…if you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Not only do committed Christians deal with problems and issues like everyone else, those who attempt to walk closely with Jesus may face suffering specifically because of their faith.

Those who commit to the ways of the Lord find themselves diverging from the current ideals of the world. Perhaps I cannot celebrate certain moral choices in light of the scriptures, or I cannot support popular causes, or I have to call out dishonesty when I see it over and over. Sometimes a quiet prayer at lunch angers others, or refusing to work on Sunday.

Of course, in some lands following Jesus leads to violence against your person and your family. Peter’s mention of the fiery ordeal is no stretch. I know a man who was beaten over the head with a hammer due to his faith. He survived and praises God to this day.

Who knows what difficulties await us? Peter also shared these words to take to heart: So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Continue to do good in the midst of ordeals. Totally countercultural. Such practice marks a Jesus follower, and Jesus empowers those who ask. Let’s pray for each other as we seek to live this way in light of our ordeals.

Keep the faith.

1 Peter 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Andrew George