1 Peter 3:17
“For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
Suffering is something we all have in common. We usually suffer due to a mistake made. Sometimes it’s our fault, other times it’s not.
If it’s our fault, we’re often embarrassed. We’re atleast understanding of our circumstances. We do our best to keep it quiet. We don’t want to broadcast our mistakes.
Today’s passage is suffering for doing the right thing. It involves others giving us grief for righteousness. It may be a bully who isn’t a believer. They will mock our lifestyle.
Other times we are harrassed for biblical stands. Hopefully we aren’t acting in a manner that is attracting opposition. That would fall under the category of our fault.
Our culture has different standards on premarital sex. The bible says to not do it. However, our culture mocks the virgin. There are shows about it. They charge us for being uptight and not free.
We aren’t to complain. We can respond, but not in bitterness. We do need to be careful not to respond to the fool. Proverbs warns us about answering a fool according to follly. It usually means not engaging them. They aren’t looking for answers. They would love to drag us through the mud with them.
Sometimes this is God’s will. That’s the point of today’s passage. Somehow God is glorified and His message is spread. The fool rarely benefits. It’s usually other onlookers. God also works on our character. If anyone else sees it, we always have the opportunity to grow.
We need to rest in Him at these moments. It takes faith to peacefully endure these times. It’s distressing. He understands that.
Many biblical character suffered according to His will. David was one. He spent atleast a decade on the run. Why was this God’s will? Because David didn’t cause it and God was able to eliminate it. David worked to eliminate it and trusted that God would do with him by His will and His timing. While the Psalms are full of his heartache pleas, he didn’t disparage God.
Lord, thank You that You use the difficulties in our lives for Your will. Help us to avoid self made errors and to be trusting.