Peter makes the bold statement in terms of our response and how we view our suffering: "Rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed." (4:13) Easy to say, but I believe not so easy to do. We might want to avoid suffering at any cost instead of doing what is right and then rejoicing.
What I like about this letter is that Peter calls upon believers to place their trust in God for all things. He writes: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." (5:6-7) We live out our Christian calling by God's power. We are willing to surrender our lives to this God who cares for us in no small measure!
The letter ends on a very positive note for us keep before us. It is that God will eventually come through for us. Peter writes: "God...will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you." (5:10) What comfort we derive from basing our hope on God. When our orientation is with God, we can rest assured that God has a future for us.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
What are you anxious about at this moment and have you thought about bringing your concern to God?
Have you ever had a difficult time when you completely placed your life in God's hands?
What direction is your compass pointing at this time in your life?