Suffering Can Be Good

You read the title right, suffering can be good.

We all know suffering is a terrible thing and many atheists use the problem of suffering as an argument to disprove the existence of God.

I am currently reading On Guard by Dr. William Lane Craig which is an excellent apologetic book. A topic he covers is the problem of suffering. Now he gives many fantastic points on the topic but one of my biggest takeaways is how suffering can draw us closer to God. It makes us rely more on Him and we appreciate our blessings. You can see this in how many of the nations who suffer the most turn to Christ more than the nations who live in prosperity. The Gospel is exploding in countries that suffer.

Which means suffering can be good because it draws us closer to the One who is good, God Himself.

Remember this and also that our suffering is only temporary.

As it says in 1 Peter 5:10, “10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Stay strong in the faith, and as always…

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Daily Bible Readings:

Monday – Isaiah 43:16-21

Tuesday – Psalm 126

Wednesday – Philippians 3:4b-14

Thursday – John 12:1-8

Links:
William Lane Craig on Suffering:

Bible Verses on Suffering:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-suffering/

On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision:

A Second Look At Peter

My Sunday School group that I am a part of just finished studying 1^st and 2^nd Peter. It was a 12 Lesson program and it was really uplifting and education. Thoroughly enjoyed the class semester.

However, one take away I have from this is the negative reaction many have to events in Peter’s life.

I want to look at three moments in a different way.

First many always point out Peter sank in the water after leaving the boat but how many of us would even have the faith to walk out on to the water in the first place? Yes he ended up sinking but he had more faith then most.

Second Peter was told by Jesus to “get behind me Satan” after Peter said about Jesus’ death that it, “shall never happen to you”. Most of us knowing what would happen probably shake our heads at Peter but in that situation would we not be thinking the same thing? How many of the other disciples had similar thoughts? But Peter had the courage to speak up and challenge Jesus even if he was out of line.

Last Peter cut off a Roman Soldiers ear, this a brutal and scary moment when you think about it but again this shows Peter’s courage that while many of us would cower in that situation Peter was ready to fight to the death for Jesus Christ.

Peter didn’t just have faith and courage, he loved Jesus. He loved Jesus so much that he did things no one else had the faith or courage to do, even if he was wrong and made mistakes his love for God was clear.

Let’s remember Peter in his faith and remember God in how he took a flawed man of faith like Peter and turned him into one of the most importance leaders in church history.

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Bible References:
Peter Sinks
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A22-33&version=NIV

Peter Called Satan
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016&version=NIV

Peter Cuts of Soldiers Ear
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18%3A10-11&version=NIV

Daily Bible Readings:
Monday – Jeremiah 17:5-10

Tuesday – Psalm 1 

Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Thursday – Luke 6:17-26

God and Destiny

This week I am writing about God and Destiny. I want to show despite Him giving us free will and leaving our choices up to us (see last week) some things are destined by the will of God.

Jesus’ story is the prime example of this. He knew exactly how He would die*, He knew about His resurrection*, He knew His Betrayer** and even knew Peter would deny Him.**

It is important to know that it always okay to ask God to change your course. We just need to remember when the course is not changed to accept it and trust in God, just like Jesus did. You show true faith by trusting in God in the middle of the storm.

Jesus gave us a perfect example of this as well, remember when He petitioned to the Father about his destiny in Luke 22:42, “42“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 

The Father sent him an angel to comfort Him and He completed His mission just as the Father wanted.

God I pray that you guide us all to do Your will and grant us the wisdom to know when it is destined to be and the strength to battle through all of life’s storms.

Have a blessed week,
-Chris

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A21-27&version=NLT *

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22&version=NIV **