Deeper Life #220

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.

—1 Peter 4:12

THE UNEXPLAINED THINGS IN LIFE are more than the explained. God seems careless whether mankind understands Him or not. He scarcely vindicates His saints to the world.

People told Jesus of the sickness of Lazarus. “He whom thou lovest is sick,” they cried. But Jesus went on His way. He did not send any words of hope, nor did He even go. Lazarus died, was buried, and four days afterwards Jesus appeared. Perhaps you can understand Martha, as she exclaimed, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:21).

If you do not understand that, you are unaware of the real nature of suffering. You are unaware of the poignant agony of God’s silences.

Have you read 1 Peter 4:12–19? An informal consideration of those verses will serve to knot into some kind of order what the Bible indicates, states, and implies regarding suffering.

Prayer Thought: Suffering is a mystery. Yet I commit my suffering to Your providential care.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Peter 4:12–15