1 Peter 4:19
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Suffering is unexpected. Suffering is unwanted. Suffering causes physical pain and mental anguish. Many times suffering comes upon us suddenly. Suffering negatively affects our plans and we find ourselves stranded and disoriented. The impact of suffering leaves us unsure of the next way forward. If you are suffering do the following.
We suffer when we lack money. We suffer when we are sick. We suffer when we fail. We suffer when we are disappointed. We suffer when people deliberately hurt us. We suffer when we lose money and investments backfire. We suffer when loved ones die. We suffer when lonely. We suffer when rejected. We cannot exhaust the list of how we are suffering. Each one suffers in ways that may never be understood by another person. If you are suffering, you are suffering even if no one knows or appreciates that you are suffering. If you are suffering do the following.
Suffering can be caused by your own mistakes or others including the devil can make you suffer. Suffering can be for a good reason or a bad reason.
1 Peter 4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
If you are suffering because of your foolishness, then rectify it and move on by God’s grace. If you are suffering because you couldn’t save money, start saving. If you are suffering because you naively entered into a relationship, be careful and slower next time. If you are suffering because of unhealthful living, reform your lifestyle. If you know the suffering is because of your mistake, do not just pray, but go ahead and rectify the problem.
However, if you are suffering and you are not responsible, then take note of our key text today. If you are suffering because you were faithful and honest, then take note of our key text today. If you are suffering because you did the right thing and evil people are revenging or jealous people seek to harm you, then take note of our text today. If you are suffering and there is nothing else you can do to change the situation because given a chance you would still repeat the right things you did that caused the suffering, then take note of our text today.
Matthew 24:16
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:20
Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
First, before we consider our text today, Jesus said that when danger comes we flee. We should run away from danger when our lives are threatened. When your life is in danger run away. It is not faith and courage to sit around and wait for suffering, in fact, it could be a sign of mental incompetence. When Christians were persecuted in Jerusalem, they ran away and wherever they went they spread the gospel all the way to Rome. If you are suffering and your life is in danger, run away is the first command from none other than Jesus. To die where you should have run away is to die a fool’s death and eternal life may even be in doubt, but God will judge that.
Our key text today tells us that if you are suffering according to God’s will, take note, according to God’s will, then commit yourself to your Creator. There are so many names of God, but why did he choose to refer to Him as our Creator? Creator has your origin and purpose. When suffering seems to derail us in life, we go back to our Creator who knows and has our purpose. If we feel lost, we go back to the one who knows the way and asks Him to remind us why He created us and that we are still on course. He who created you created you for a purpose. When drowning in suffering reach out to the Creator who knows your purpose and get reminded that all is well.
If you are suffering, reach out to your Creator that He may reaffirm your purpose in life. If you are suffering reach out to your Creator that He may remind you that suffering has not tampered with His plan for you. The Creator is a prayer away. Read the Bible that your Creator gave you so that you are comforted and encouraged. If you are suffering, reach out to your Creator.
Commit yourself to your Creator is what the Bible says. Commit means surrender to the Creator your destiny. You have lost control, let your Creator take control. Do not despair trust your Creator. If you are suffering, commit yourself to your Creator.
Finally, if you are suffering, continue doing good. Do not get angry and backslide. Do not get angry and stop attending church. Do not get angry and start drinking alcohol. Do not get angry and plan revenge. Do not get angry and commit suicide. After you surrender to your Creator, continue doing good. If you are suffering, continue doing good.
Doing good means, the evil that sought to derail you has failed. Do not give the devil victory by refusing to do good. If you hate your enemies back, satan has scored and is victorious. If you continue loving your enemies and haters, satan has lost and Christ has won in your life. If you are suffering, continue doing good. If church members and leaders have failed you bitterly, satan would be happy if you abandon the church, therefore do not abandon the church, continue doing good. If your spouse has disappointed you, continue loving and submitting. Continue doing good. Suffering should not cause you to be a bad person. If you are suffering, continue doing good.
Dear God, save us from suffering from wrongdoing. If we suffer for doing right, may we be wise enough to know when to run away. If we suffer for doing right may we remember to commit ourselves to our Creator. If we suffer for doing right may we continue doing good, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
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God know I needed this. Thank you for this words
Glory to God!
Amen. Thank you Pastor for the encouraging word! Blessings
Hallelujah!
I am encouraged. Thank you Doc. Be blessed
Blessings on you Rose!
Amen
Amen
Amen 🙏
May God save me from wrongdoing that will lead to suffering.
If I suffer for doing right may I continue doing good in the Name of Jesus I pray.
Thank you for sharing my Pastor and friend.
Happy Sabbath
Glory to God!
Amen Pr. Dr. Kesis, Happy Sabbath.
Hallelujah my brother!
Amen
Amen
Amen. If we have to suffer, may we suffer for just reasons in line with His will.
Yes, Amen!
Amen
Amen