But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.
These are trying times. And at times, the battle appears to be lost when viewed purely horizontally. But this verse makes a startling claim: if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed! Say what? In suffering, I am blessed? How is that? It is right there in this verse, speaking directly into my situation: do not fear… don’t let fear remain on the throne; do not be troubled… and don’t let worry stay there either, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart.
This reminds me of these words from our 16th president, on the occasion of the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield:
“But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power…”
Lincoln recognized that making speeches over the battlefield was not what sanctified it or set it apart. It was sanctified by the devotion shown by those who struggled there. Calling Jesus “Lord” in times of peace and safety cannot establish Him on the throne of my heart like allowing Him to displace the fear and doubt that are there during trouble can. When I am in the midst of suffering and yet still recognize that I am His, and that I was made to depend on Him no matter what, that is when I experience Him reigning as my King.
This passage in 1 Peter 3 goes on to say that we should always be ready to explain why we have hope in the midst of trouble. Peter is saying that we should have hope, and that it should be evident to those around us, so that they will ask why! Perhaps this is His purpose in allowing our suffering. Indeed, that is the best blessing of all, to know that no matter what, I am His, and in the midst of trouble, He is working to reveal Himself in me! If the glorious, victorious, risen Christ is Lord of my heart, what can man do to me?
Lord, Your ways and thoughts are far above my own. You allow trouble to come, but in Christ Jesus, You have redeemed all troubles. You are inviting me to trust You in the trouble so that people will see and praise You. You are amazing! Amen.
Copyright Jere Vandewalle.
Jere is the Director of Operations for Christian Educators.
