So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Summary: There is suffering we have earned and suffering that seems unfair. When we have to suffer for what seems like no reason, Peter says we need to turn to God and do more good.
Over the past few days, Peter has been giving us a master’s class in suffering. We have learned that there is suffering that is earned and suffering that is unjust. Today Peter expands on unjust suffering and notes that it is according to God’s will.
Everyone suffers. We know that is true intellectually, but no one enjoys suffering. Sometimes we can do something to ease our suffering. It may be possible to avoid suffering altogether if we make better choices. Yet, there is still suffering.
The suffering that remains even after we have done everything we should is real suffering. Such suffering is undeserved. It is unjust. It is not fair. Why would God allow such a thing to happen? Well, He has his reasons. Just ask Job! So if we can’t do anything to ease the suffering, what should we do?
Peter’s solution is interesting. Some would say it is counterintuitive. He tells us to commit ourselves to God. Yes, this is the same God who is allowing the suffering to continue. Commit ourselves to Him. And then, do one more thing: continue to do good.
Application: Praise God in all situations, love Him above all else, and continue to love your neighbor as yourself, even when it hurts.
Food for Thought: Is the good you do impacted by how much you are suffering?
Probably, but I think it is more likely that our suffering is impacted by the good that we do. It at least ensures that we are suffering for the right reasons.
Rich,
I like your thought. It suggests (to me) that our suffering might be lessened by doing good.
Some suffering reminds us of God and my intimate relationship (Jacob’s hip, Job, Paul’s thorn).
Some suffering is do to sin-“who sinned, he or his parents”.
Some suffering is due to demonic activity.
We are to discern the source and pray accordingly.
Some in some we rejoice. In some we repent and in some we do warfare against the enemy.
Finally, there is suffering for God’s grace to flow in and through us. (Paul’s thorn could also be that.)
We do not get to pick our suffering; we get to decide at whose hand we attribute our suffering – us-sin, satan, God.
Anon,
Thank you for sharing this morning! I appreciate the deep insight into the kinds of suffering and their sources. You add a layer of meaning to our suffering that is important for the believer to understand.
Is the good you do impacted by how much you are suffering?
Yes!
Jesus, Joseph, Moses, Job, all the Apostles and more verified their authenticity by continuing to live and allow God to minister through them while suffering.
“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.” Jesus Christ who came to give His life for our sins, forgave those crucifying Him prior to giving up His Spirit. He lived what He said.
God protects each believer from the full power of the evil of this world and gives special strength to those who are suffering. Our task is to not allow suffering in this world detract from our calling to glorify God in everything we do. We need to view suffering as a gift from God, an opportunity to show people of this world the reality of the ruler of our lives.
No matter what we suffer, turn to God. Understand we overcome in His strength, allow His strength to work through us in all circumstances and we will enjoy a very special relationship with our God as He uses us to do His work.
1 Peter 4:19, Isaiah 40:29-31, Psalm 18:32, Psalm 18:32, Philippians 4:13,