God is on the job. I can think of no better thought especially when I go through suffering or pain. If anyone knew suffering and pain it was Jesus. But alongside Him were the twelve who also experienced the pain of doubt and fear as they saw what their Teacher was going through. It would be years later as Peter writes these words that he does so in an encouraging way. "Don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job" because we find life getting really difficult. (v. 12). Peter saw it as a "refining process" which is taking the crude and making it pure and useable. Glory is just around the corner. With so much oil and gas exploration going on in our area, we see the results of new buildings and companies in place where there once were none. And we think of what is being pulled out of the ground as crude oil that must be refined to become the useable fuel for our vehicles. In the same way, our life experiences, however bad or painful, are helping to purify us and make us useable for God's work in reaching and teaching others about God.
Any abuse or suffering that may come our way because of the name Christian, Peter says, God's Holy Spirit is right alongside us helping and blessing us. We should take pride that we, like the disciples did on several occasions, were found worthy of these experiences. We, as Christians, Peter says, are "first in line," but God's Son will stand with us. And you have to love the last verse of this chapter, "So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust Him. He knows what he's doing, and He'll keep on doing it." And it is so!
PRAYER: Loving God, you know the life and experiences of this dear reader; bless and protect him or her and help them realize that You are on the job in whatever it is that they may be facing. Guide and strengthen their steps as You are being glorified in their lives. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
