Do Not Be Surprised

Do not be sur­prised

At the suf­fer­ing you bear;

It’s not some­thing strange

So you must not des­pair.

Rejoice that you share with Christ

And His suf­fer­ings know;

When He comes in glo­ry

Your joy will o’er­flow.

If God should will

That you suf­fer ill

Commit your­self glad­ly

His will to ful­fill.

If you are in­sult­ed

Because of Christ’s name

You’re blessed

for God’s Spir­it

On you will re­main.

Your suf­fer­ing should nev­er

Be for what de­serves blame;

But if for your faith

You’re hurt

be not ashamed.

God’s judg­ment will start

With His own fa­mi­ly.

What then will the out­come

For god­less men be?

In spite of your suf­fer­ing

Do good to all men;

For God will be faith­ful

To you to the end.