The WILL of GOD Can at Times include SUFFERING
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” -{1 Peter 4:19}
There is a suffering we can bring on ourselves for doing wrong, sinning but in this passage there is a “suffering according to God’s will.” And while encountering such suffering He tells us to commit, the word means “entrust” like depositing some valuables into the safe keeping of another or like a bank transaction. Be ready to suffer! Its something God may call you to. And don’t be surprised that is as a result of you doing right and good… It can happen in the home, “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” -{Matthew 10:36}. It can come in the form of persecution and name calling. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”- {Matthew 5:16} Though the phrase “will of God” is not used in this verse it is implied,” Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”-{2 Timothy 3:12}. If we are following the LORD Jesus then there will be opposition…”These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. “-{John 16;33}.
The PROPHETS, JOB Suffered;“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”- James 5:10-11}
Paul was “CHOSEN” to Suffer; ” Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must SUFFER for My Name.”-{Acts 9:15 –16.}
Paul and Silas Rejoiced they were counted Worthy to Suffer For Christ; “At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.The apostles left the Sanhedrin, REJOICING that they had been counted worthy of SUFFERING DISGRACE FOR His Name.” -{Acts 5:40-41}…”But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.”-{1 Peter 4:13}
The GIFT of Suffering;- “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,…”-{Phil 1:29}
The GOAL Of Suffering -to Know Him, included suffering; “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” {Phil 3:10}
Spiritual GROWTH through Suffering; “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.”-{1 Peter 5:10}
GOSPEL OPPORTUNITIES Through Suffering; “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.,”- {1 Peter 3:14-17}
Suffering and GLORY; ” but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this Name.”-{1 Peter 4:16}…
Suffering Can Be A Result Of DOING GOOD! “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”-{1 Peter 3:17}
Suffering for Christ is a possibility for you. If so, you are in good company as the above verses share some such as the prophets, Job, Paul, Silas, the church at Phillip, And attitudes, perspective to adopt and apply. And this is only possible through the power of God working IN us {Read Phil 2:13}.
There are times when it is “GOD’S will” we suffer for His glory and the spiritual good, benefit of others. And like Paul imprisoned for doing good and suffered , God used to share with the suicidal jailor and his family so that they may be saved!
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” -{1 Peter 4:19}. The Response is to “Entrust” like a banking “deposit” for safe keeping, “commit,,” entrust yourself into the Care of the Creator and…keep…doing good! It takes supernatural grace ,power to do so and thank God you have it, “God is at work IN you to bot to desire and do FOR His good pleasure… God has given you everything pertaining to life and godliness.”-{Phil 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3-4}.