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Trust and Obey - 1 Peter 4:19
Trust and Obey - 1 Peter 4:19
In the midst of writing about suffering as a Christian, Peter wrote: “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).
Suffering has posed to be a problem for faith since the beginning. Consider that there are many sources and causes; primarily because we live in a broken world that is marred by sin. Nature itself often brings suffering (rain or lack thereof!) Men bring suffering on each other. Satan has brought much suffering (read the book of Job, etc.). God has used suffering both as discipline and punishment. And of course, much suffering is self-inflicted (recount and insert your own history of such here).
As Peter comes to the end of his life, having lived as a Christian some 25 years or so, he mentions the idea of suffering some 16 times in 1 Peter. This is written in light of his coming martyrdom by Nero and the oncoming persecution against the church during those dark days.
Jesus suffered, His followers (US – YOU) will suffer.
Our response? The basic idea is simple but difficult! Trust (Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator) and obey (in doing what is right.).
Hugh DeLong
