Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

1 Peter 4:19

Throughout our Christian life, we face many sufferings. Some are real tests of faith and others are less of a hardship. Some sufferings come from the ungodly and some are sent by God to strengthen us. Sufferings seem like a daily occurrence among God’s people. We experience health problems, stress, and ridicule. With all this adversity we are often left thinking about why such things happen and how can we cope during these battles. There is much wisdom to be found in reading Peter’s first letter.

In the first chapter, Peter writes under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). It is worth bearing in mind that temptations and trials are only for a season, they will pass. We must realise that when our faith is tested it is for good not evil. Do not grow weary and downcast. Peter reminds us that when Christ was insulted, he did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23). This example set by Christ is one we ought to follow. Christ entrusted himself to the safekeeping of God, the Father (1 Peter 2:23b).

I would like to draw your attention to the words of Peter recorded in 1 Peter 3:17-18, “For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” During his earthly ministry the Lord Jesus Christ suffered many temptations and was tempted in every way as we are and yet remained without sin. He suffered an unjust death on the cross to deliver us from the curse of the law and to make us just in the sight of God. May we as God’s people adopt the same attitude regarding suffering. Read what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:1 and ponder the wisdom in this verse. “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.”