"So those who suffer according to God's will should, in doing good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator." (1 Peter 4:19)
OBSERVATION
What is it about suffering and hardship that takes us by surprise when we know that this world is messed up and does not run according to God's perfect will? In chapter 4 of 1 Peter, he reminds us of a few things:
- Fiery ordeals are not unusual and we shouldn't be surprised (12).
- They are an opportunity for us to share in the sufferings of Jesus, so we should rejoice (much easier said than done) (13).
- We are blessed if we are ridiculed for the name of Christ (14).
- We are not to be ashamed for suffering as a Christian (16).
OK, the easy answer is that suffering is a part of living in this broken world. We're not talking about suffering from our own sinful choices, but the suffering that seems to find us, broadsides us as we are driving through life. But what do we do? We can't run away or hide our head in the sand (our best side is definitely not showing at that point). Even if we moved to a deserted island suffering would follow. Remember the movie Castaway? Suffering provides an opportunity to activate our faith.
APPLICATION
Peter reminds me to face suffering head-on, rejoice and be proud because it more fully identifies me with Christ. God is the faithful Creator (he made the universe so he knows what's going on) so I can entrust myself to him. He will ultimately bring about justice. That is what I really want when I suffer. To have the inequities and unfairness of life accounted for...to know that there is a greater purpose and meaning to it all and that I'm not just a cog in some senseless, mechanical universe. I love how Peter says I can trust a faithful Creator. I'm not here by accident or chance. There is a design and purpose and somehow suffering fits into all of that. I can't always explain it but I shouldn't be surprised.
PRAYER
God, I can trust you, the faithful Creator, even in times of difficulty and stress.
