The paradoxical message of joy in suffering according to I Peter

M.A.We live in a very complex society. Different cultures, languages, religions, and beliefs paint the picture of Southern Africa. Suffering has become the News headlines. Often we hear about civil wars, poverty, calamities, divorces, abuses. On the other hand the "Aids nightmare has already begun." (Naidoo 1999:1-2) In the midst of this pain the Christian church does not change her believe that God is a faithful God who never leaves His own. He has plans to prosper His children and not to harm them. But Christians are not exempt from suffering. In fact sometimes they suffer because they are followers of Christ. From time to time there is persecution of the Christian church by non—Christians. In the midst of suffering, Christians should rejoice. Throughout this paper I seek to understand the nature of this joy that goes beyond one's ircumstances. This study is based on I Peter. I Peter was written to encourage believers to endure suffering and to find meaning in their suffering. I Peter argues that Christians do not belong to this world they have new home in the Kingdom of God where they will experience everlasting joy. There shall be no more suffering. "Even so, how does this family relate to the governing authorities and social institutions with which they must deal everyday? And how does the church respond to a society that is making life miserable for Christians? (Cradock 1995:15). I argue throughout the paper that suffering is not Gods will for human kind. Suffering is caused by evil. Because of sin suffering has entered into the world. Sin subjected all human beings and entire creation to suffering. There is no joy in sin; the results of sin have always been unbearable. The effects of sin are painful. All kinds of suffering (physical, mental, and emotional) were introduced by sin. But Christians are more than conquerors for Christ is Lord. Christians have victory in Jesus Christ. Suffering cannot rob that victory. Therefore joy is possible for Christ's presence and comfort is always present in this life—His power sustains us. At the end of times it will be perfected. There is hope for now and for the future