Devotion 4.23.26
1 Peter 2
"20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Let's toss aside the, "Is Peter saying my faith isn't legitimate if I don't suffer?" question for this devotion. (No, he isn't, but he knows suffering is a part of life and suffering can be part of our faith life in Christ.) Peter is extending comforting words to those who have suffered because of their faith. Tying it all together to this point in his letter, he has offered words of wisdom and comfort to those who have been dispersed because of their faith to regions in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
When I have suffered in life, words of comfort from a source take on special meaning when that source has walked a similar walk in life. The hardships of leadership can be draining at times, so you turn to those who have led or are leading for words of advice. If I've had cancer, other patients who have survived it top this list of people I'll listen to. You get the idea.
People can be well-intended in their remarks, but if they've walked your walk, their words take on meaning. The people in this dispersion are suffering hardships, and Peter, who has clearly been in their shoes for a generation longer than they have, is a great source of comfort and encouragement.
"It will all be okay," means nothing from a person who hasn't gone what you've gone through. Note Peter never says this. He does say that it is temporary and to know that Christ, for whom you are suffering, endured hardships that were immeasurably painful. This comes from a man who has endured the same hardships too as a disciple.
In the end, it will all be to Christ's glory. In the end, Christ will ease our suffering. Christ, the Good Shepherd, is there to bind, heal and gather his sheep to join him in eternity.
Pray with me: Gracious Father, I give thanks to you for servants like Peter and others who minister to me. Thank you for their words of comfort and reassurance of suffering as part of our life in you and Christ. While painful, I know this is temporary and that one day, I will be with Christ in eternity. I give thanks for this peace. In Christ's name, Amen.