Day 34 - March 28

“The Peter portrayed in the Gospels and the Peter seen in this letter are hardly recognizable as the same person. The Gospels portray Peter urging Jesus to avoid pain, cowering in the darkness the night Jesus’ trial and execution, and denying with an oath that he knows the man he’s been following for three years. In this letter, by contrast, Peter welcomes suffering as a badge of honor, aas proof of his commitment to Christ at any cost. Most likely, Peter is writing this letter during an outbreak of persecution under Nero. Leaders of the church, the apostle Paul among them, have been shipped to Rome for imprisonment and execution. Crucial questions about suffering have stirred up within the embattled Christian community.”

Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford

Suffering is not something that is isolated to Peter’s community of Christians. Christians around the world, in our own backyards and in our homes feel the overwhelming burden of suffering. And yet, Peter speaks a word of hope to those who are suffering. Where have you found hope during times of darkness in your own life? What helps you to be hopeful?