~ 1 Peter 4:12–13
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Peter writes to believers who were facing intense persecution. To follow Christ in the Roman world often meant ridicule, imprisonment, loss of livelihood, even death. In that context, Peter says something startling: don’t be surprised by suffering. It is not strange, but part of the normal Christian life.
This applies not only to persecution but also to the wider reality of suffering in a fallen world—including sickness. Many believers assume that hardship means God has abandoned them. Peter reminds us instead: suffering is not proof of God’s absence but of our fellowship with Christ.
Notice the phrase: “insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.” The Greek word for share is koinōneite, from which we get “koinonia” — fellowship, partnership. When we endure trials with faith, we are walking the same path Jesus walked. He knew pain, rejection, weakness, and even death. When we suffer, we are not alone; we are sharing in His story.
How does this connect with biblical health? We affirm again: God does not cause sickness. It was never part of His original design in Eden, and it will be absent in the New Creation. But in this broken world, sickness is part of life. When it touches us, it doesn’t mean God has turned away. Instead, He promises His presence in it. Christ Himself entered human weakness—He hungered, He thirsted, He grew weary, He bore pain. Because of that, He is a High Priest who can sympathize with our weakness (Heb. 4:15).
When illness or trial presses us, we can see it as an opportunity to know Christ more deeply. We share His sufferings, and in doing so, we taste more of His presence. And Peter points us to the future: “that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” Every hardship now is temporary. Every sickness, every pain, every trial has an expiration date. Glory is coming, and in that day, our joy will overflow.
So when suffering comes, whether through persecution, sickness, or weakness, we can say: this is not strange. My Savior walked this path first. And as I share in His sufferings now, I will share in His glory forever.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for walking the path of suffering before me. When I face trials in my body or in my life, remind me that I am not alone—I am sharing in Your story. Give me joy now in Your presence, and greater joy when Your glory is revealed. Amen.
