From Surprised to Soul-Settled

Last week I promised we'd look into the Apostle Peter's personal theology of suffering. 

Before I bullet point his thoughts, I want to add a P.S. to last week.

It's only natural to feel surprise at the arrival of any unexpected event in our lives...

For goodness sake, only a Dr. Spock (if you're a Trekkie fan) calmly and unemotionally reacts.

So, Peter's not trying to send us on a guilt-trip for expressing a little knee-jerk-shock before we've had time to process. 

Nope.

Peter wants us to put tools in our pockets so that we've already processed when the time comes, and the lapse between the astonishment and the reigning of peace in our hearts grows shorter with the onset of each trial. 

Peter was no stranger to suffering. He desired his teachings to settle hearts even amidst exile-living, AND reduce that element of surprise. Instead of reacting negatively, we have time to catch our breath and respond positively. 

During our stint serving  in Africa at a school for missionary's children, if I'd studied and taken ownership of even just Peter's words (not to mention the whole counsel of God's words), I'd have spared my heart a lot of turmoil when difficulty landed on my doorstep.

Instead, it took me weeks and weeks of a troubled spirit, disquieted within me, to finally discover this truth. With God's help, a timely message placed strategically in my mailbox on a cassette tape (smile), and the soothing words of Scripture, I ultimately arrived at that place of a quieted soul.

Hear what Peter wants to remind us...

SUFFERINGS ARE MOMENTARY

In the midst of the hardship, time drags. Yet, in light of eternity to come, what we experience is the blink of an eye. So, my focus needs to transfer on the there and then, not the here and now. Do I allow the burdens of today to put me on a merry-go-round of a troubled mind, or am I resting in the fact that Jesus has a plan even in this? And, in light of our heavenly hope, this is just a "little while."

TRIALS REFINE US.

While trials feel fiery they will reveal to us the genuineness of our faith (down through the ages, the "gold" of our faith is always purified by fire). What might the Lord be doing in me right now that will ultimately bring Him glory? Thank Him!

GOD'S FAVOR WILL BE POURED OUT ON US IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS

All trials come in various shapes and sizes (various - the word means variegated, as in different shades); but, good news (!) God's grace is described with the same word (1 Peter 4:10, God's varied grace). For every shade of trial there is a grace from God to help us endure what we are experiencing. Where can I see God's grace in the midst of today's difficulties? Give Him praise! 

TRIALS HELP US KNOW OUR SAVIOR MORE INTIMATELY

In the midst of our hard times, as we seek the Lord and His word, we get to share in the fellowship of His suffering.  The Apostle Paul tells us that through this sharing we will know Jesus even more and live even closer to His heart, knowing His thoughts, and experiencing His deep love for us - (Philippians 3:10). What might God be teaching me in the midst of my trials - about His character, His relationship with me, His word, His watchcare over me... Respond with gratitude...

JESUS SUFFERED FOR ME...with so great a salvation, how can I not receive suffering as a gift if He asks it of me?

Peter (and even Jesus) said that if one's teacher suffers, won't His students also experience the same (Matthew 10:24-32)? No student is better than the master! How can this lead to appreciating His suffering on our behalf even more? 

TRIALS DON'T MEAN WE'VE DONE SOMETHING WRONG; so, there is no need to live in shame.

Simply because we are suffering doesn't mean we've sinned. This has been a typical belief down through the ages. BUT, remember the story of the man born blind? Jesus was asked, "Who sinned, the baby in the womb or the parents?" Oh my! He responded - "Neither!" And, remember dear Job and his three tiresome friends? The trials Job endured are a testimony of his right living, not wrong actions. 

NOW THEN...SIDE NOTE: we should always check our hearts...is there something we need to confess? We often suffer consequences for our actions. Paul warns us that we will "reap what we sow." Sin does have consequences. 

Have I examined my heart? Have I repented of any sin that might lead to difficult consequences? Or, are these trials I'm experiencing for another reason? A refinement? A new lesson? A testimony of God's goodness to the lost around me? An opportunity to show the world that loving Jesus and living for Him looks different on us than the rest of the world? A way to know Him better? 

ULTIMATELY, OUR SUFFERINGS LEAD TO REJOICING.

Over and again as Peter discusses the trials of life, he clearly expresses that our outlook should be one of rejoicing. Why? Because God, the Father, the King of Kings, the Good Shepherd, the Almighty, Creator of the Universe is watching over us. 

Tuck these truths in your pocket. Pull them out in difficult times and let them work God's peace right into your heart.