Scripture

1 Peter 4:19 (The Living Bible)

So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.

Consider

Being a Christian is not a guarantee against pain. In fact, Jesus warns us to expect it, but he also promises us peace if we look for him in the moments of our suffering.

Our story is part of God’s story, and our kinship with him gives our suffering meaning. God uses our suffering to teach us about his faithfulness and our need for his perspective to get us through the difficult times.

Suffering also prepares us for eternal residence in his holy kingdom. Learning to hold God’s hand through a painful experience deepens our faith and improves our character. We learn through practice that when our hearts belong to God, we can keep on doing good even when others treat us harshly or unfairly.

Pray

FATHER, help me to find eternal value in my difficult situations. Guide me so that I do not suffer needlessly, but when I must suffer, give me the grace I need to suffer with hope. Thank you for your Word that can reach me and your Voice that can touch me even in the darkest corners of my wounded heart.

Reflect

John 16:33; Psalm 37:23-24

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How can belonging to God change the meaning of your suffering?