Suffering

There seems to be a lot of debate about suffering.  On Facebook after the death of a child you'll see those who have no faith post statements like this:  "If God is a loving God, like you claim, why did he allow this child to suffer."  I see it all the time. God doesn't cause the suffering, but he does allow it.  We may not understand why things do happen, we should cling to Him for comfort.  Romans 8:28 tells us that God may not cause all things to happen, but he does "cause all things to work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose."  

This is what Peter is trying to point out to us in 1 Peter 4:12-13.  We are going to face suffering, sometimes because of our faith.  We may even face persecution.  In verses 12 and 13, there seems to be two commands.  The first command is that they "not be surprised" at any trial you face because of being a Christian.  The second command is how to respond to the trials.  He tells us to "rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."  He is telling us that the trials we face will point to God's glory.  See that?  In Romans 8:28 we are told that all things work together for God's purpose.  Now, here in 1 Peter 4:13 we are told that His glory will be revealed.  Peter goes on in verse 16 to tell us that if we do suffer as a Christian, then we are to not be ashamed of it.  

The hymn "How Firm a Foundation" speaks to this very thing:  

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."

So, when you're suffering, no matter the circumstances, be assured that you aren't alone.  Also be assured, that it is for God's glory.   

Cornerstone

What is a cornerstone?  Cornerstone is defined as “a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls; an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.”  So, what does it mean that Jesus is the “cornerstone”?  Isaiah 28:16-17 says:

 “Therefore thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
    a stone, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:
    ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
And I will make justice the line,
    and righteousness the plumb line;
and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,
    and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”

So, God tells us Himself that He is the cornerstone, the foundation.  Jesus is God’s son, He is God, so therefore, He is the cornerstone.  That brings us to 1 Peter 2:4, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God an precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”  So, what does that mean, “living stone”?  Jesus is the cornerstone.  We are the stones that God is using to build his house (spiritual).  As believers we place our trust in Jesus.  We place our lives upon His foundation so that we can grow. 

One of the hymns that I loved growing up in church was “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less”.  It says:

“My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,  All other ground is sinking sand.’

If we don’t put our trust in the “cornerstone” and build a good foundation, how will our faith survive?