Words for Sufferers

Are you in hurting today?  Do you have a friend or a family member who is
sick, in prison, feeling alone, going through divorce, experiencing job
loss, or some other form of pain?

If so, maybe words from 1 Peter 4 can provide some comfort and solace.
Peter is specifically talking to those who are suffering BECAUSE they
are  Christ-followers.  But I think the words are instructive for all
of us.

"Don't be surprised" or "Don't let it seem strange to you" that
you're
going through this struggle or trial (4:12). 

"Rejoice" because as you suffer for God, you "participate in the
sufferings of Christ".  Even if you don't suffer BECAUSE of your faith,
you can give the suffering to God and let Him use it for His glory.
Give you pain and your hurt to him as an offering, a sacrifice.

"It is time for judgment to begin with the family of God."  Am I saying
what you're going through is judgment?  Not necessarily.  Sometimes our
hurts and pains are self-inflicted.  And the pain may actually be grace
at work in our life, giving us a chance to change actions and patterns
that were destructive.  Or the pain may be a chance to draw closer to
God in midst of undeserved consequences.  Either way, DON'T WASTE THE
PAIN.  Let it work for you.  Let God have it and bring some type of
healing and redemption out of it.

"Commit" yourself to your "faithful Creator".  Give God your
circumstance, your questioning, anger, fear, and your pain.  Trust that
somehow He is at work in this dark place you find yourself.

"Continue to do good".  Don't you think the devil would like to use
this trouble and circumstance to turn us away from the good God has
been using us to do?  But don't let him do it.  Don't give him the
victory.  Refuse to stop doing good. Instead, press on as you
faithfully trust in the God who loves you.  And continue to meet with
others who'll share their victories in the midst of their trials.

Grace & peace