Divine Perspective
In John 16:33 NIV, Jesus tells us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He warns us of suffering that we will encounter. BUT he also invites to have peace through it all! Most times, suffering we endure doesn’t seem fair. It feels unjust and like we don’t deserve it. But through that, how can we keep pressing on? What if I told you we could actually find comfort in those seasons and view it as a blessing?
1 Peter 3:13-15 NIV says, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
MAN, I love this text. There is power, comfort and a challenge all inside of these few short verses. Let’s break it down a little bit, starting with verse 13 which again says, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” I think of 2 things when I read this verse. First, I think Peter is telling us that those who are seeking good and treating others with love (yes, even those that hurt you), are less likely to receive harsh treatment. Ultimately, doing good to others rarely gives them a reason or purpose to mistreat you. But on the other hand, I think Peter also asks us this question to make us think a little differently. Perhaps what he’s saying is this: those of us who are followers of Christ cannot really be harmed. Of course, our feelings can still be hurt, and persecution can very well still happen; BUT nobody can ever take away what matters most to you. Your salvation! Which leads us into the next verse.
In verse 14, we are reminded of the purpose of it all. Yes, we might suffer or receive persecution and ridicule, but if you’re doing what is right and good in the eyes of the Lord, blessing is coming for you. When we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we’re suffering unjustly according to God. Walking in accordance with what is eternally right and good, is seen as wrong and evil in the eyes of the world. Which is why it can be so hard for us to stand firm in our convictions and beliefs sometimes. If we’re not strong in our faith and don’t have a solid foundation, it can be really easy to bow out as soon as we start suffering. But the comfort in this verse is that we are making an impact for the Kingdom. For our eternal home, not our temporary fleeting home.
My hope is that we would all have a divine perspective on life. One that submits to the Lord and trusts his plan for all things in our life, even when things get tough. There is a book called “The Blue Book” by Jim Branch. In it, there is a quote that brings me so much comfort through suffering. It says, “I have seen you come to protect and deliver. And yet, for some reason, in this case, you didn’t. You allowed it. Does that mean you sat idly by and watched? Or does it mean that – although the brokenness of this world was its cause – you are big enough to bring beauty out of the tragedy? You saw it coming, and let it stand, because of what you knew it would do within us. You knew that the groaning it would produce would have an effect on us like nothing else could or would.” It’s hard to see in the valley, but the Lord wants the best for you. When you endure suffering, consider yourself blessed by God.
Lastly, in verse 15 we see a challenge. A challenge to “always be prepared.” I know it can be easy to believe in something just because the people around you do, or maybe because your parents brought you up that way. But it’s important that we start figuring things out on our own. That we pray and study the Word of God for our own good and to know exactly what we believe and why. When someone asks you about your faith and why you have hope in the Lord, do you have an answer? Oftentimes, crisis and suffering present a platform for you to share the gospel. The valley can create a dependence on the Lord like never before. If we lean on him and rely on his strength, it allows an opportunity to see and share of the Lord’s goodness. James 1:2-4 NIV, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Challenges:
Start each day with prayer. The best way to start your day is by seeking the Lord first. Put on your armor and get your mind right for the day to come.
Shift your perspective. Consider it joy. See it as a blessing. When we have an eternal perspective, we no longer have to be fearful of what’s to come. Instead, we can remain full of joy because we know the Lord’s plan will prevail!
Always be prepared. Know your why. Take time to really figure out what you believe and why so you can be ready to share with anyone and everyone around you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for all that you are and all that you do for us! Thank you that we can find abundant life in you. As we continue to seek you, I ask that you would shift our perspective. Help us to live with a more eternal mindset, doing all things with the intention of glorying you and impacting your Kingdom. You are worthy of all our glory, honor, and praise. May we consider it joy when we meet trails, because in those trials we can learn and grow and look more like you. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear all that you have for us today, Lord. We love you! In Jesus’ name! Amen!