The Spirit's Refreshing Power

1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
 
WHAT did you expect when you became a Christian? Did you anticipate persecution? Most of us never considered this. In fact, it’s likely you believed you were joining with the majority of the people around you. To become a church member in the United States decades ago was often a natural progression of life for many. In fact, one may have been criticized if he did not attend a church. That’s much different today.
   But perhaps some of you in other parts of the world knew you would endure trials when you declared Jesus to be your Savior. Did you rejoice at the possibility? After all, God’s Word tells us to rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.
   Why? Where’s the joy in suffering? Peter says it’s in two places: First, you will be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. What does this mean? What is Peter’s evidence?
   Jesus’ glory is the appearance of his power and purity. Peter knew about Jesus’ glory. He watched Jesus’ power in the healings, the resurrections, the storms calmed, the Transfiguration, Jesus’ resurrection and Jesus’ ascension. Peter knew the great joy of Jesus’ power to forgive him for denying Jesus. Peter knew from the trials he had faced, that joy comes to those who are faithful to Jesus in their suffering.
   Peter also says we will be blessed if we are insulted because of the name of Christ. When you remain faithful against ridicule and slander against your faith, the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Another way to say this is “the Spirit rests with his refreshing power” upon the suffering Christian. Peter faithfully taught what Jesus taught: Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”  To be refreshed is to be encouraged with the sure promise of your salvation. You are energized with the evidence of God’s salvation in your life. Again, Peter would know the refreshing Spirit of God over him as he faithfully taught the gospel amid persecution and threats from the ruling Jews (Acts 3-4).
   Be faithful to Jesus against insults. He will bless you with wisdom, strength and peace to know you belong to the Lord. Many testimonies from those hated and reviled for their faith reveal the wondrous ways God blessed them to a joyful, deeper understanding of his glory. May the Spirit rest upon  you with his refreshing power.