1 Peter 3:16 “But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Lord, You, Joseph, David, and Daniel come to mind immediately as examples. The fact that impetuous bombastic Peter would write this to others is testimony of Your work in his life. How we deliver Your message is so important. If we follow the Spirit’s leading, we will never mess up the message because He will put the words in our mouths.
1 Peter 3:17 “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
Lord, the phrase “if it is God’s will”, sticks out here. I know that You need to teach us perseverance and patience through things we suffer. You also understand from Your time here as the God-man how difficult that is, especially when it is because you are doing something good. I think of Nate Saint, Jim Elliott, Paul, and the Burnhams (Missionaries in the Philippines who were captured by Muslim extremists and held captive for a year and a half) and all the other martyrs, or those tortured or imprisoned, (Eric Bonheoffer) for the faith.
The world looks with consternation asking, “Why would a loving God allow His devout followers to suffer and sometimes die for doing His will?” To be honest, Lord, I wonder about that sometimes too. I have to remember that we live in enemy territory from the day we are saved until the day when You take us home to be with You in Glory. The way we behave when we suffer or are persecuted for doing Your will can speak louder to the unbelieving world than our mountains of words. Our perfect example was You on the cross.
So I trust You and believe Your Word with all of its promises. Whether I understand or not, am bewildered or not, am frustrated or not, or am terrified or not…I will still believe and trust, yielded to Your will in my life…whatever it holds.
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