So far, 2024 has brought more than its fair share of struggles for me, both personally and professionally. The challenges have come so close together that at times it’s been hard to keep my head above water. Yet, through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence and guidance. Even in situations where it seemed like there was no way out, I held on to the belief that God had a plan and would not leave me. (I might share more about this another day.)
The Lord Delivers
We are promised eternal life in heaven, but we are also warned that we will face hardships on our journey there. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV), “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Despite these challenges, Psalm 34:19 (ESV) reassures us: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” We are not left to navigate our suffering alone; God is our deliverer. Romans 8:28 (ESV) further comforts us with the promise that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Just Eight Verses
With the past seven months as a backdrop, I recently came across 1 Peter 4:12-19 in my Bible. I noticed a note in the margin that read, “7 ways to suffer.” While I wouldn’t necessarily label the last seven months as “suffering,” these concepts are applicable to any hard times. This passage succinctly offers guidance on how to approach trials and suffering. Here’s the passage:
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 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? And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV
Seven Points for Navigating Trials
Let’s break down the seven points these verses provide:
- Do Not Be Surprised — Trials are a part of life. While we shouldn’t be constantly on edge, expecting problems around every corner, we should be prepared for them. Being unshaken by unexpected difficulties helps us handle them better emotionally.
- Rejoice and Be Glad — Rejoice in the midst of trials as you share in Christ’s sufferings and look forward to the joy that comes when His glory is revealed in our lives.
- Know You Are Blessed — If you face insults for Christ’s sake, recognize that you are blessed, as the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
- Do Not Be Ashamed — There is no shame in suffering for Christ; it’s not a sign of wrongdoing but an opportunity to honor God.
- Glorify God — Continue to praise and glorify God through your trials. Your faithfulness can be a testament to His goodness.
- Entrust Your Soul to God — Trust that God is faithful and will save you. He is our faithful Creator, and we can rely on Him.
- Do Good — Even while suffering, keep doing good. Your actions should reflect your trust in God and your commitment to His ways.
Personally, I find great comfort in these practical instructions from the Bible. It’s like having a recipe for navigating difficult times. None of us wishes for trials, but when they come, it’s reassuring to know God provides a step-by-step plan for not just surviving but potentially thriving through them. After all, as Romans 5:3 (ESV) reminds us, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.”
