How to Suffer Properly for Doing Good

1 Peter 3:13 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?”

            Lord, this is a rhetorical question Peter is asking.  The assumed answer is, “No one.”  However; Christianity comes under attack from the Evil One, and we see persecution all throughout history.  We are approaching the time in our country now, and are experiencing it in mild forms today.  So the answer might be, “Maybe not as many as would be if I were consistently doing wrong.”

            We are quickly approaching the fulfillment of end times prophecy which warns that there will come a time in the last days when evil will be called good, and good evil.  Lord, help us all to do good even when we know we will suffer for it, simply because You command it.  If we do, we may win some to the kingdom.

1 Peter 3:14 “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear what they fear (their threats), do not be frightened.”

Blessed if I suffer for what is right…that’s radical thinking.  Our pride rises up and screams, “I don’t deserve to be treated like this!  This is unfair, God! Why are You allowing me to suffer?  Aren’t I doing what You have commanded?  So why are You punishing me?”

            Then that still mall voice whispers, “Down boy.  If you really got what you deserved, you would be in Hell this very moment being tortured for all eternity.  However, the Savior rescued you.  This suffering will last but a little while.  Oh, it may seem like a long time to you right now, but in light of eternity, it’s a heartbeat.  You are suffering for the cause of Him who saved you.  How you suffer determines whether you glorify Him or not.  You make the choice.   I will bless you, give you grace and mercy to withstand this, so lean on Me.  Trust Me.  I will bring you through.