HARDSHIPS

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Sometimes we have the notion that our Christian life is supposed to be free of trials, hardships and heartaches. In contrast, the Apostle Peter says that we shouldn’t be surprised at trials but should rather expect them. Why would we think that following Jesus exempts us from difficulties when He is the ultimate example of suffering? Jesus Himself told us, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). He knew that following Him in a world that has rejected Him would inevitably bring its share of trouble. But, He quickly added, “Take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Fasting is one way we come to grips with both the reality of hardships in this life and the victory of Jesus over them. The voluntary, temporary hardship of fasting forces us to recognize that our life is rooted in something more eternal and greater than this world. It reminds us that our “participation in the sufferings of Christ” now is leading to a deeper joy and greater glory to come.

Prayer:

Lord, we take heart today because You have overcome the world. As weexperience a measure of hardship through fasting, help us to root our hope more deeply in our triumphant Savior, remembering that all our hardships here are “achieving for us an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In Jesus’ name. Amen.