READ: 1 Peter 3:18-22
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
KEY THOUGHT:
Even when you suffer and feel discouraged, you can find hope in the example of Jesus Christ. His undeserved suffering on the cross for you was meant to justify you – because He loves you! Without His suffering, you would not have the hope that you have now. You would not have the promise of eternal life. You would be lost in your sins. Think about all that Jesus’ sufferings accomplished and how He has a position of glory and honor, deserving of all praise. Although your suffering won’t be anything like Jesus’ suffering, you can bring Him glory through it. Hebrews 12:4 reminds you that you “have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” That’s a picture of what Jesus did as He prepared to die on the cross for you. Although you have not yet resisted temptation and sin to the point of the excruciating pain that Jesus felt, you should always be reminded of what Jesus did to get you to where you are today.
CONSIDER:
- Where do you turn when you are discouraged and hurt?
- What does it mean for you to have hope in the midst of suffering? Where does that hope come from?
- How does remembering all that Jesus did for you help you endure the sufferings of this life?
APPLICATION:
Look to Jesus as your example when going through trials!
