This morning I am reflecting on one of those difficult verses - 1 Peter 4:19 NIV: "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."
The Passion Translation makes it more palatable - "So then, those who suffer for following God’s will should enfold their lives into the Creator, who will never fail them, and continue to always do what is right."
This translation makes more sense, in that an individual finds themselves in a difficult position, and got in that position through following God as best as they could. When a person finds themselves in such situation, one could be tempted to listen to the accusations of the enemy, who is quick to accuse God of being unloving, uncaring, of promising blessing, but delivering difficulty, etc.
However, I think it is high praise to God, an offering of praise that flows straight to the Throne, when we choose to double-down and set one's heart on following God in the midst of the struggle, pressing into Him in intimacy, and refusing to curse god and die (Job 2:9). We can press onward, doing what is right, continuing to praise God in the very midst of the struggle, in the very midst of our suffering, knowing that He loves us, that He is faithful, and that He will never fail us! He has a plan and it is good! We can choose to give God glory, to sing His praises in the midst of our pain and suffering!
Let us encourage ourselves and one another this day, especially those that are in the struggle. Let us press onward, deeper into God, into His arms of mercy and compassion and love! Let us embrace intimacy and surrender unto Him!
Amen!
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