Pastor Stephen Dedman

Suffering For A Purpose

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:19‬

We often find ourselves in the midst of suffering. Suffering can surface in various forms such as mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. As we live for Christ, we will suffer for Christ.

So what should our attitude be when we encounter such great suffering?

Peter gives us detailed steps on how we should respond to suffering. First, we are to rejoice. 1 Peter 4:13 says, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” God is in control of all things and allowing your suffering for a reason.

Second, verse 17 says we are to review our lives. “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Our suffering may be happening because God is cleaning house and He will start with His own first. If the suffering is due to our sin, we need to confess and repent immediately. But always remember Job; he suffered hard and was righteous.

Third, verse 19 says we are to simply rely on Him. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” When we realize that our suffering is for the cause of Christ, we need to rely on the grace of God. Just rely on God’s promises.

Pray

Lord, give me strength to endure the suffering You have set before me and give me wisdom to understand why. Help me to rely on You for all things.

In The Line Of Fire

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
I Peter 4:16

There are times when we are caught in the crossfire of severe trials such as death, disease, pain… and even persecution for our faith. Because we live in a cursed and evil world, we are not immune to the sufferings of this world.

God never promised to keep us out of the crossfire, but He did promise that when we are in the crossfire, He would be there with us!

You might remember Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They refused to compromise their faith and bow down and pray to the statue of king Nebuchadnezzar. These guys faced a fiery furnace. However, in the midst of the furnace they were not alone. God was right there with them.

Whenever you are caught in the crossfire of a trial or persecution for your faith, remember that the Lord Jesus is there with you. It may not always feel like He is with you, but He is. And He is working out His perfect plan for your life.

No matter what you are facing today or in the days to come, you have a Comforter that knows you and knows what you are facing. No matter how big or small the situation may be He is always there with you. Trust the promises of God. Place your faith in the One who knows all things. Live confidently in the hope of Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, I trust you are working everything out according to Your plan and purpose. I will trust You and honor You as my Lord. My full faith is in You.

The Blessing Of Comfort

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Life is tough.  Life on this side of eternity has it’s disappointments, discouragements, and defeats.  At some point in time we all suffer emotional discomfort.  

The people we love the most are the ones who hurt us the most.  It’s important that we learn how to endure our greatest disappointments and defeats so that we can be the person God has called us to be.

We can react to our hurt and pain by either mourning or moaning.  Mourning will lead us to comfort but moaning will lead us to complaining. The devil wants us to moan and complain because he wants us to be miserable.  

Jesus desires that we appropriately mourn so that He can comfort us and restore us.  We must learn to properly mourn when we hurt.

Jesus gives nine Beatitudes or Blessings that help us live according to His plan and purpose.  Verse 4 is the blessing of mourning that leads to comfort.  Jesus promises to comfort those who hurt.  

If there is anyone who can understand your hurt and pain,  it is Jesus.  The people who were singing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”  were the same people who were shouting, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” a few days later.  Jesus suffered more emotional hurt and pain than anyone else.

If you have lost a loved one or suffering the loss of a job, have you mourned? Maybe you have been hurt by a spouse, a friend, or even a church member.  If you are hurting, turn and talk to Jesus about it.  Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Pray

Lord, I’m hurting and need Your love and compassion. Help me to forgive. Give me the power to overcome all things that try to pull me down.