Don't be surprised

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. – 1 Peter 4.12-16

Why does it seem like everyone is so surprised that things are starting to go against the church after all these years of not only non conflict, but is the case of many of us we have even had society on our side. In the last 15-20 years it seems that society has really turned top to bottom.

For a long time in part of Europe and the Americas Christians have not only had the acceptance of the world – we have had the help of the world. Many of our countries had laws that protected us and imposed our standards in the world around us.   We have had tax benefits for our churches. Laws have favoured us and our way of life. We have it pretty easy for the last 300-400 years. 

But sadly that has made us a little lazy and complacent. It has led us to trust and put our faith in our government leaders instead of God. 

But the times they are achangin’. 

The moral issues that we once though sacrosanct are falling by the wayside.  Basic standards or decency and morality and right and wrong are all now up in the air.

And it looks like we are finally going to get the persecution the church has endured since day one. 

No one could expect us the rejoice in the fact that we suffer – but we can rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer with Christ. It is not to be unexpected. Don’t be shocked.