“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
In the midst of life’s challenges, it is reassuring to know that Jesus faced many difficult confrontations over the course of His earthly life. His example serves to encourage us whenever we encounter the injustices of life as well. Paul the Apostle also touched upon this subject in his Biblical letter to the Galatian churches…
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
The Scriptures openly acknowledge our need to emulate Jesus’ example in periods of adversity. In fact, these references appear repeatedly throughout the New Testament Scriptures as evidenced below…
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).
“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” (Matthew 10:24-25 NLT).
“…We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
“…no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this” (1 Thessalonians 3:3).
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:16-18).
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3).
It is also helpful to remember that patient endurance is a quality exhibited by God Himself who “…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). While this virtue may not come naturally to us, God can help us develop this characteristic as we depend upon Him to navigate the trials we experience in life.