SSMT: Verse 16

Sometimes I just need a good kick in the seat of the pants. I'll admit it. So that's why I'm grateful for this new verse. It both kicks and comforts.

So then, those who suffer according to God's will

should commit themselves to their faithful Creator

and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19

I would like to say that I don't consider myself to "suffer." Last week I saw my former roommate, Angela, who is living with terminal cancer...and she doesn't know how much time she has left. To me, that's suffering. I think of those who face persecution for their faith...and to me, that's suffering. I think the best I face is a strong annoyance.

But I once heard Nancy Rosinski (a hospital chaplain) say that the pain in front of you right at this moment is the greatest possible pain - because it's yours. So in the same way, the suffering in front of me right now is legitimate suffering because it's mine. If it hurts me...challenges me...it's my form of suffering, and God cares about it.

But look at this...the phrase "according to God's will" means "His gracious disposition toward something. Used to designate what God Himself does of His own good pleasure." My "suffering" has been picked out by God. Graciously picked out by God, even. It's been chosen for me because He knew I could handle it - with His power behind me, of course.

So my job is to commit myself to my faithful Creator. Faithful, in case you were wondering, means "worthy of trust, belief, or confidence." Yep. That's my Abba. Faithful.

And while I'm committing and waiting through the suffering...my other job is to continue to do good. Even when it hurts. Even when I don't want to. Even when I'm tired.

That's the part that kicks me. It's hard stuff. But the comfort is that He's behind it all. He picked out the suffering and He is worthy of my trust and confidence as I work through it.