READ: 1 Pet. 4:12-19; 5:6-11
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. – 1 Pet. 4:19
It is the last day of another year that the Lord has given us. What has this year brought us? However, that is not the right question to ask. It is better to ask: What has the Lord, in His goodness, given us, and what have we done with it in our service to Him?
Christ has come a year closer to His return. And on that journey, He has led us, His church, as our Guide. He speaks about that path in His Word: it is a path of suffering to glory for His church (Romans 8:17ff).
Even Creation eagerly awaits that final goal: “to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
The suffering on that path is not a sign of a curse for us, as Christ bore that in our place. Suffering for your faith and for the church is described by Peter positively as grace (1 Pet. 2:19ff). This suffering may involve reproach or oppression.
Peter emphasizes that in this suffering, you must follow the example of Christ. He did not retaliate when insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten with punishment but entrusted everything to God the Father, who will judge righteously.
Peter even says: you are blessed if you suffer for your faith in Christ (1 Pet. 3:14). It is, therefore, a rich blessing! In 1 Pet. 4:12, he says that you should not be surprised by it. God wants to use it to test you and give you perseverance. It drives you to God and Christ. You should rejoice because you are sharing in Christ’s suffering (v.13).
Bearing the cross behind Christ is for the sake of Christ. It leads you to seek refuge with Him, to pray for His Spirit, and to entrust your soul to God the Father (v.19).
Yes, doing good (Rom. 2:7) belongs to this. There must be no wrongful reaction toward those who cause you suffering. If you have been able to persevere in His service this year through God’s strength, thank God for His goodness and faithfulness.
Can you be proud of yourself?
Sing: Ps. 118:4