My friend Mark, his wife, and their two elementary-age sons have been faithful servants of the Gospel in predominately Muslim Asian countries. Persecution is more the norm in these lands and Mark often partners with Voice of the Martyrs to encourage and assist those in danger for following Jesus. Mark was in town recently and asked a group of believers an unusual question: “Do any of you going through present difficulty believe something strange is happening to you?” He then read Peter’s words: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” (I Peter 4:12) Of course, the implication of this verse is that we should not be surprised when we confront hardship. Suffering should not be considered strange in the life of a disciple.
We all understand this was an important message to pass on to new Christians in the first century who often lost everything for their faith, but what about today? Mark can tell story after story of Asian believers losing property, homes, family members, freedom, and their own lives for the sake of Christ. When someone becomes a Christian in these places, the differences are so distinct that Peter’s words make sense. “Of course it is not strange that I will suffer for this Truth I have found. But I have found eternal life, so is it not worth it?” Mark can also tell stories of some who decided it was not worth it and denied Christ at a critical point of decision. Interestingly, Mark extended the meaning of this verse far beyond what we consider the “far-away-places-of-persecution.” If you are undergoing a certain hardship, don’t consider it strange. All believers are in the same Body and we all have a common enemy. With eyes on Jesus, Peter encourages us to choose a different attitude. “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (I Peter 4:13)
We know such things as “rejoicing in the midst of suffering” are easier said than done, but Peter was not unfamiliar with difficulty. To embrace this mindset requires the Spirit of Christ, so we must constantly pray, “Lord, fill me with your Spirit and give me the mind of Christ.” We can also participate with those enduring hardship by praying in faith and serving them with God’s love.
In light of this, I want to share recent news I’m tempted to call “strange.” Next week, Lord willing, we leave to visit and serve John and Suzanne Hunter in Africa. For years they have led a Christian school in the poorest area of Windhoek, Namibia. John has had a nagging cough for months and Suzanne urged him to check things out. After many tests, John has been informed he has multiple myeloma, the same disease I have. This is a very difficult time for the Hunter family. Please pray for them. Susan can be a good encourager for Suzanne while we are there, and I hope I can encourage John. There is no doubt the enemy hates the work being done to share Jesus with the lost and to rescue children from poverty and disease. I pray the Hunters, all the teachers, and all of us will remember that, in the end, Satan will be defeated and Christ will reign. In the meantime, may we all fight the good fight with our eyes fixed on Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4