Suffering

We used to say in the Army that you don't have to practice being miserable -- you'll be able to do it when the time comes. That's a way of expressing what we all think, that there's not a lot of point to suffering. But isn't there?

Hey, Peter says. So you have trials? You think that's abnormal? Well, guess what. "Dear friends," he says, "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Everyone will suffer in this world, and, despite what prosperity theology proponents say, Christians might suffer more than most. In fact, Peter says in the following verses, you'll likely be insulted at least, and expect more than that. But hey, he says, if you're going to suffer anyway, it's best not to do it for some crime, but instead for the glory of God.

We read in other places in scripture that suffering builds our faith, and it's true that faith must be tested to truly be faith. But another purpose of suffering is that we demonstrate that faith by remaining true to God, so that He is glorified by it.

So, while we don't have to volunteer to suffer, neither should we fear it. God will be with us; we'll be fine. We can take it, and it's to His glory that we do.

Peter gives us the right response, in verse 19: "So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." Keep doing what you were doing, even though it has temporarily brought you suffering. Keep your commitments to God; you know He'll keep His to you.