Jesus said that those who made the decision to follow him would experience suffering for having made that decision. The early church soon found out the truth of those words and Peter’s first epistle addresses that development head on. When he wrote it the pressure and suffering had already begun and he said it would get even worse. Of course, he didn’t just warn the church and let it go at that. Instead he exhorted them to always keep in mind the big picture, namely, that although all Christians will experience suffering in this life, it is nothing compared to the unspeakable joy that we will experience when Jesus returns.
This dynamic sharing by Rich Robson helps us to understand the sufferings we experience in this life are both short lived and pale in comparison to the eternal glory which is guaranteed to us at his return. That is our hope and that which sustains us regardless of whatever fiery darts the devil may throw our way.
