“That You May Also Rejoice”

Peter humbled himself under the Savior’s rebuke--“What is that to you?”--and heeded the Savior’s call--“You follow me!”

And in 1 Peter 4, he encouraged his fellow believers to do the same:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice a insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed….Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

So when that test or trial comes and we are tempted to envy—“don’t be surprised!” Peter says, “It’s not as if something strange were happening to you!”

But instead (and talk about “strange” in the eyes of the world!): “Rejoice!”

Peter’s take on suffering? All joy. Joy now, because we have the privilege to share in Christ’s sufferings. And even more joy later, when Christ’s glory is revealed.

An eternal perspective enabled Peter to put away comparison and envy and follow Christ with joy. He wasn’t living any longer for the glory or the comfort of this world—his joy was in Christ, now and forever.

So let’s learn from Peter’s example. Let us stop comparing ourselves to others, but entrust our souls to our faithful Creator and follow Him into joy unimaginable!