Walking through struggles

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:13-18)

Why do bad things happen to God’s people?

The question above is one we have all pondered.  We shouldn't be ashamed of asking the question.  It is our hearts searching for God and his guidance.  In a fallen world hope seems small at times. In this section of scripture Peter is addressing struggles even for those that do good. In verse 13 it states:” But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” Suffering for doing right?  The words contrast one another.  If we are doing the right thing, then we should expect good things.  Peter explains that this is not necessarily the case.  The scripture explains in numerous places that struggles will always exist.  It isn't something that is going to go away.  Those that bear the name of Christ will go through hard times.  What is the answer to this? Peter’s answer is: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord”.  Our focus should always be on Christ.  The word revere in this case is stating we should sanctify Christ in our hearts.  Our hearts are to beating more and more like Christ’s and less and less like ours.

The rest of the scripture deals with what to do during the stressful times

1.  Do not fear those that threaten you."So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Is. 41:10)


2. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you."As for me, I will always have hope;   I will praise you more and more.¹⁵ My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all". – (Ps. 71:14-15)


3.  Handle the situation with gentleness and respect. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil 4:4-6)


4. Keep your conscience clear. "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." (Acts 24:16)


5. Exhibit good behavior. "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5)


6. Remember Christ suffered for you."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." (1 Peter 5:10)

It is not your struggles that will speak volumes in the world.  It is how you walk through the struggles that others see.  Will you walk in a way that calms the critics?  That is what we are called to do.