I can testify that I did none of the following during my recent recovery. I wish I had read it sooner. Maybe this 2014 devotion will be just on-time for you.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,

That you should follow His steps.

1 Peter 2:21

Christians were not only called to salvation, but we were called to suffer. Peter wrote his first epistle to believers who were suffering severe persecution. Some were used as human torches, while others were fed to the lions.

When we suffer, we need to look at Christ as our example and follow in His steps. The Greek word for steps means “footprints”. We are to follow in His footprints down the road of suffering which leads to glory.

Sometimes, we cannot understand why we are going through trials. Christ suffered greatly even though He was perfectly sinless and beloved by God. He was in the will of God. Therefore, we should “not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Pet. 4:12).

What example did Christ give us to follow during suffering?

“Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet. 2:23). If we suffer unjust persecution, we should endure it just like our Lord did – without reviling or threatening.

Next, we should “commit” ourselves to God, the righteous judge. The word “commit” can mean “entrust” and it implies continually handing it over. The same word is used in Luke 23:46; “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”

With each surge of suffering, we should continually entrust it to God. If it is unjust suffering, God is the righteous judge, and we must trust Him to handle it.

Perhaps you are suffering right now. It may be persecution, or it may be your health or finances. Keep handing it over to God. Suffering is inevitable, but as we suffer let us follow in the steps of our Lord.

Lord Jesus,

We don’t like suffering. Enable us to follow in Your steps. Help us not lash out towards those who persecute us. Daily, as each wave of suffering washes over me, I will commit it to You, for I trust You. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Peter 2:18-25.

HIKING THE TRAIL

What has been your reaction when you have suffered persecution for being a Christian? In what ways can you follow the steps of Christ more closely during times of suffering?

Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale Newell.

Originally posted on September 28, 2023 @ 8:00 pm