We don’t enjoy painful situations, yet they are an inevitable fact of life. Suffering is a major theme of the Apostle Peter’s brief epistle. He presents a fresh perspective as we face suffering in our lives,

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Peter helps us to see God’s greater purposes. When you realize that your trials can enable you to further the Gospel, then you realize you’re fulfilling a purpose greater than yourself. We must focus on God’s long-term glory, rather than our short-term happiness. Adversity can also be a way to develop our character (Romans 5:3-5) and help us develop spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).

Adversity is not a pathway we usually choose, but as you choose God’s will, you discover that it involves difficulties. Suffering however, does not glorify God when it is the result of our own sinful folly,

Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. (1 Peter 4:15-16)

Are you suffering according to the will of God? Peter concludes his teaching on suffering with this admonition,

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. (1 Peter 4:19)

Peter tells us to entrust our souls to God. The word “entrust” literally means to place alongside and it conveys the idea of committing  oneself to a person or a purpose. Jesus used this same word when He hung on the cross and cried out to God, “Father, into Your hands I commit (entrust) My Spirit” (Luke 23:46b). You will discover that you can worship God in the crisis if you’ve worshiped Him before the crisis.

Hard times have a way of teaching us lessons that we may reluctant to learn in the good times. When God tests us, we learn to trust Him in the hard times as well as in the good times. You may not know the reason for your suffering, but you can take comfort that God knows what He’s doing.

Randy Alcorn tells the story of a young teenage girl who didn’t want to be seen in public with her mother because her mother’s arms were terribly disfigured. One day when her mother took her shopping and reached out her hand, the salesclerk looked horrified. The girl told her mother how embarrassed she was by her appearance. Understandably hurt, the mother waited before going to her daughter’s room to tell her, for the first time, how her arms became disfigured.

“When you were a baby, I woke up to a burning house. Your room was an inferno. Flames were everywhere. I could have gotten out the front door, but I decided I’d rather die with you than leave you to die alone. I ran through the fire and wrapped my arms around you. Then I went back through the flames, my arms on fire. When I got outside on the lawn, the pain was agonizing but when I looked at you, all I could do was rejoice that the flames hadn’t touched you.” Stunned, the girl looked at her mother through new eyes.

Jesus suffered and died so that we might receive the gift of eternal life. The scars of your suffering may prove to be a testimony of your love for others. You will face challenging times, but as you gain God’s perspective, you will realize that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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