The Stewardship of Suffering

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 2 [19] For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.  [20] For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.  [21] For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,  [22] WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;  [23] and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;  [24] and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.  [25] For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls

Application: This is most likely my greatest failure of all. In this environment – where there are so many things that are done wrong – air pollution, ground pollution, traffic, ignoring of laws, etc. Instead of learning to suffer properly, I have complained through most of it. Lord I do not want to lose my touch with reality but I also do not want to continue to miss the opportunity for growth. Help me begin today to deal with these things in a way that would glorify Christ. Thanks for being such a longsuffering God.