July 18
Christ
Suffered for Us
1 Peter 2:21
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Daily Steps
When suffering comes, the new believer can find strength and peace by looking to the ultimate example of endurance. This verse provides the powerful truth that redeems our pain: Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example.
The peace in this perspective is found in divine empathy:
The Priority of Christ's Sacrifice: The primary purpose of Christ's suffering was redemptive: He suffered for you to secure your peace with God (Day 174). This is the foundation that makes all other endurance possible.
The Call to Follow: The suffering was also exemplary: He left you an example, that you should follow in his steps. This means your experience of trials (Day 192) and even discipline (Day 196) should be viewed through the lens of Christ's own patient endurance, which included injustice and abuse.
The Result is Strength: Knowing that your Savior did not bypass suffering but fully embraced it provides profound empathy and strength. When you feel alone in your pain, this truth reminds you that you are not; you are merely following the path already walked by the Lord, and He provides the grace (Day 184) to endure it.
Your peace in suffering is secured by Christ's example. Look to Him as the model for endurance, knowing that your suffering is part of the calling to follow in his steps.
Reflective Question
If you compared your current suffering to the injustice that Christ suffered for you, how does that comparison shift your attitude toward the situation? What specific "step" of Christ's patience can you choose to follow today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my desire to escape suffering. I thank You that Christ suffered for me and redeemed my pain. I pray for the strength and humility to accept this example, choosing to follow in his steps with patience and endurance.
Secure my peace today by reminding me of Your divine empathy and presence in my trial. Amen.
