There is much to be said about trials and suffering especially in the shorter books of the New Testament. James speaks extensively about trials as does Peter in his first letter. I’ve been doing Bible School this year and one of the questions I have had to answer is “List some of the things that Peter says about suffering in 1 Peter.”
So I read the book and every time I came across something that pertained to suffering I wrote it down. Tonight I hand those answers in, but before I do, I thought I’d type them up.
I don’t think we will know the answer to why we suffer, this side of eternity. We are in this for the long run and that is into eternity, when we will get the answers we are looking for and the temporary misery of the trials of this earth will be long past.
Here’s what 1 Peter says,
- Suffering tests our faith (1:7).
- Christ suffered and glories followed (1:11).
- Some suffering will be unjust – bear up in it (2:19).
- It is commendable to suffer for doing good & enduring it (2:20b).
- We are called to suffer because Christ suffered & left us an example on how to deal with it: He committed no sin (2:21-22).
- When Christ suffered, He entrusted Himself to God (2:23).
- We are blessed when we suffer for what is right (3:14).
- Better to suffer for doing good than doing evil (3:17).
- Because Christ suffered, we must have the same attitude: be done with sin (4:1).
- Don’t be surprised at suffering (4:12).
- Rejoice in suffering (4:13).
- We participate in the sufferings of Christ when we suffer (4:13).
- Suffer as a Christian – praise God we bear this Name (4:16).
- When we suffer according to God’s will, we should commit ourselves to our faithful Creator & continue to do good (4:19).
- We are not alone in our suffering – suffering takes place all over the world (5:9).
- God will restore us after we have suffered & He will make us strong, firm and steadfast (5:10).
I love that Peter ends with this:
1 Peter 5:10-11
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
A lot of suffering we find ourselves in is self-inflicted. We make unwise decisions, we embrace sin which leads down a destructive path and so often leads to suffering. We must be done with sin.
There is suffering which just is. God doesn’t make us sick. I don’t believe God looks down on us and randomly selects someone to have a massive car accident that leads to disability.
I believe God permits it – He is with you within it – He will bring about His purpose through it, but I don’t believe He causes it.
Nothing is going to happen to you without God’s permission, His presence and His purpose.
So stay strong. You will get through it, one way or the other.
God is greater.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx