1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Verse 13But 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. Verse 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Verse 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Verse 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Verse 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Verse 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Verse 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. Verse 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Devotion
During one of my retirement interims, I faced the challenge of preaching on the Sunday following 9/11. My message began with a story about two Christians who suffered in a German concentration camp in World War II—Corrie and Betsy Ten Boom. The hard labor and camp conditions took a toll on Betsy and eventually led to her death. As Corrie held her dying sister in her arms, Betsy said: "We must go everywhere, we must tell everyone: No pit is so deep that God is not deeper still."
The letter of First Peter was written to suffering Christians. The writer invites them, "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." For those experiencing the "fiery trials" of suffering (such as those who lost loved ones in the Twin Towers), the writer of the letter says, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you."
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I pray for suffering Christians everywhere, that they may know that there is "no pit so deep that God is not deeper still." Amen.