Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Thought:
Peter writes to the early Christians during a time when they were always threatened and persecuted by the Romans. But despite that, he asks them to rejoice amidst their sufferings. The suffering that is talked about here is suffering for being a Christian. In today’s world, there are still many direct physical threats to being a Christian, but there are also indirect consequences of being a Christian, like being excluded and discriminated against for our beliefs, and loss of friendships and relationships. Even in these cases, we are called to rejoice and praise God. Why do we rejoice? because we suffer just like Christ suffered, God is always there with us through our sufferings, and our hope is in having eternity with God.

Word:
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. 13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Prayer:
 Lord, we praise You even when we are suffering for Your name. We pray for strength and comfort for all believers who are suffering and going through similar ordeals. We are grateful because, without Christ’s suffering, we would not have any hope. Amen.