1 Peter 4:12-14 (NASB)

Share the Sufferings of Christ

12(A)Beloved, do not be surprised at the (B)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13but to the degree that you (C)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the (D)revelation of His glory (E)you may rejoice with exultation.

14If you are reviled (F)for the name of Christ, (G)you are blessed, (H)because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.


Cross references:
A.1 Peter 4:12 : 1 Pet 2:11
B.1 Peter 4:12 : 1 Pet 1:6
C.1 Peter 4:13 : Rom 8:17; 2 Cor 1:5; 4:10; Phil 3:10
D.1 Peter 4:13 : 2 Tim 2:12
E.1 Peter 4:13 : 1 Pet 1:7; 5:1
F.1 Peter 4:14 : John 15:21; Heb 11:26; 1 Pet 4:16
G.1 Peter 4:14 : Matt 5:11; Luke 6:22; Acts 5:41
H.1 Peter 4:14 : 2 Cor 4:10, 16


My Dear sisters and brothers

As we walk and sometimes run through this life as obedient servants of the Lord, we are confronted with obstacles and troubles that seem unbearable, difficult and impassable. Almost as if you are snagged and at a stand still with troubles that overwhelm you in your life and no one is there that will or can help you. The darkness and pressures overshadow you and the walls seem to be closing in. What do we do, where do we go? Is there someone that will give a helping hand, someone that will lift me from despair and set things right, that will deliver me from these trials and tribulations.

I say to you my beloved brothers and sisters, with the setting sun and the cold of night, a bright warm sun rises by the grace of God. Through the darkness come the light of his Faithfulness, Love and Mercy. With your obedience and faith come your blessings and rewards. Stay strong and give praise to the Lord God Almighty for the experiences of life, love, mercy, forgiveness and pain that he has blessed you with....You know that through the experience of hardship and pain that you are alive and will live, will be blessed with the joy of paradise with He that has blessed you with eternal life. Remember, that the Lord called you into service and that He promised you that He would not give you anything you could not handle in life. Jesus never said it would be easy. You are His child, He loves you and is always at your side. Take His hand and let Him lead you through the briar patch of life, as he leads you along the narrow path of life He may release your hand at the turns and twists of its trail to follow Him through the tight snags along the way.

Remain close in trail and follow obediently to the end of the path of briars lest you get snagged. He is confident in your abilities, just trust him in His Leadership and his faithfulness to you. The end of the briars are near and your blessings are at hand. God bless you all and all that you do. lots of Love

Your brother

Dan