Which Reaction Do You Choose?

1 Pet. 4:17-19

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now 'If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?' Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator."

If you are being persecuted, not only is it not strange, now Peter says that it is God's will! God wants to purify us through suffering, stretching us and making us grow. Suffering is appropriate because of our sin, and it is also appropriate because it indeed can draw us closer to God.

Our God is a "faithful Creator". He can do what He wants with us and He is good. We can trust Him that suffering will help us. Do you believe this? We certainly never desire to suffer.

Suffering and life's trials can bring about 2 reactions. The response that is honoring to God is submission, thanking God, saying that we love Him, and trusting Him for His plans for our life. The other reaction to problems is bitterness and anger. That will cause destruction in our lives, and of course is not honoring to God.