Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12–14 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Peter writes to believers who were not dealing with mild inconvenience, but real hostility. In his day, to follow Christ was to invite ridicule, exclusion, and often outright persecution. So he begins with a loving reminder: do not be surprised. Opposition is not an accident in the Christian life — it is expected.

The message of Jesus Christ has always provoked resistance because it confronts humanity with its deepest need: forgiveness of sin. Darkness does not object to harmless religion, moral platitudes, or faith that blends quietly into the culture. What it hates is the gospel that calls people out of darkness and into the light. When that message cannot be silenced, the messenger becomes the target.

Peter makes something clear that can be uncomfortable to admit: not all who claim faith experience resistance, because not all are actively living it. A faith that never challenges, never speaks, and never stands apart rarely draws fire. Offense is not the goal of the believer — but the gospel itself is offensive to a world that does not want to bow before Christ.

As believers live openly by faith, resistance becomes almost unavoidable. Our values, priorities, and hopes contradict the rhythm of this world. Yet Peter does not call this a failure — he calls it a test. And tests do not exist to destroy faith, but to reveal it.

Even more striking, Peter says that endurance under trial is a blessing. When believers suffer for Christ and respond with grace, patience, and perseverance, they share in the pattern of Jesus Himself. Christ did not retaliate when He was insulted. He did not curse His enemies or attack His accusers. He endured suffering with trust in the Father, even to the point of death.

This is the mark of genuine faith. Believers do not see their persecutors as enemies to be crushed, but as people deceived by darkness and in need of freedom. They bless those who curse them. They forgive those who wound them. And in doing so, they put the Spirit of Christ on display.

Peter closes this truth with a promise: when believers are insulted for the name of Christ, the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon them. The fire that tests faith does not consume it — it reveals it. And through faithful endurance, Christ is made visible to a watching world.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you typically respond when your faith draws criticism or resistance?

2. Are there areas where blending in feels safer than standing firm in Christ?

3. What does it look like to respond to opposition with the same spirit Jesus displayed?

4. How might God be using present trials to reveal and strengthen your faith?

Closing Prayer

Father, help me not to be surprised when obedience brings opposition. Strengthen my faith so that when trials come, I respond with the grace of Christ and not the instincts of the flesh. Teach me to endure with patience, to bless rather than retaliate, and to trust that Your Spirit rests upon me in every hardship. May my life, even in suffering, point others to the freedom found in Jesus. Amen.