He is Faithful

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4:12-19

Often when we encounter difficulties or trials in our lives, we are reminded of the promise of Romans 8:28, that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...” That is a definite statement of promise in which we can place great trust.

The Scripture reference for today closes with a similar word of hope. Peter says, “Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” I Peter 4:19

You have probably heard the statement: “Let God be God.” Often it would do us well to stop fighting our circumstances long enough to ask: “What is God trying to say to me through this?”

In verse 19 the word which jumps out at you is “faithful.” God is our faithful Creator, and He can be trusted to do what is right and best.

Often our problem is that we do not see things from His viewpoint, and therefore we confuse “best” with “ease, comfort, and pleasure.” Sometimes “best” is experienced as pain, trial, difficulty, adversity.

Why? It develops within us strong faith and trust in God and hardens our convictions for future trials.