Again this morning I am confused by God’s Word. I am reading in 1 Peter and am reminded of the suffering that comes my way as a Christian. I will suffer in the work that I do for Christ as it will be misunderstood by the world. I will be persecuted for the work I am doing as others see it as self-aggrandizing. I have to remember the only one that I am here to please and bring joy is to God.
Here is the confusing part as of this morning. If I am going to suffer as a Christian doing the work of Christ, then what about those that are not Christians? And look at Peter’s reference to words from Proverbs.
“18And
If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
— 1 Peter 4:18 (ESV)
Referring to the sinner, with me being one of them, I am quickly unsure as to where I fit in all of this, until I read further.
“19Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” — 1 Peter 4:19 (ESV)
I am the sinner I am and for that I am content. I have been given the chance to entrust my soul to God. I know that I have been forgiven for all of my current, past, and future sins. I have to remember that those sinners referenced by Peter are those that have not accepted the salvation provided by God. I have and therefore suffer for God. I have the comfort in knowing that I am and will be forgiven.
I have to know what I know and that is that God loves me and that even as a sinner, I am loved and will suffer yes, but for God not for my sins.
What are you suffering with? Are you suffering for you sins? What if you accepted Christ as your savior and accepted your suffering for Him knowing that you have been forgiven of all your sin?
Trevor's Thoughts 