1 Peter 4:12-19 NIV
[12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as 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. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Dear God, when I read this passage I have two thoughts:

1. I have no idea what this type of persecution is like.
2. There are plenty of people in the world who do and I need to pray for them.

When I hear people wonder why there is suffering in the world, I can explain most of it, but there is some evil I cannot explain. One of the biggest is human sex trafficking—especially sex trafficking. I think about the young victims and how helpless they are. Of course, even that evil would happen if there wasn’t a long list of people waiting to exploit them. From watching porn to actually purchasing their services, it’s a horrific situation. I saw “The Mule” with Clint Eastwood recently, and it’s the same kind of thing where, once you’re in, you are trapped and you’re not getting out without outside intervention.

But I digress. There are literally Christians around the world being tortured and killed because of their faith. Father, please see them, support them, alleviate their suffering, and don’t let it go to waste. If it must happen at the hands of evil people, please at least make it count. Make it count. I don’t know how to help them. I don’t know if sending money to someone would help. I don’t know if writing my Congressman or President would help. I don’t perceive that it would. I just want you to please, please help these people.

As far as thinking about this passage from Peter’s perspective, he knows about this suffering first hand, and he knows the pain of it and the power of it to witness to others.

Father, help me to live a life that is a prayer to you. Help me to represent you in all ways. And please help these Christians around the world and touch their persecutors so that they might see your glory, repent, and turn to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen