The Problem of Grace
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
📖Scripture: “…though now for a little while you have been caused to suffer by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith… may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:6-7
🔎Reflection: After writing those words in chapter 1, later (1 Peter 4:12-13) Peter writes, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.” That’s because our suffering is neither unique nor random; it is divinely orchestrated and redeemed by God for our good and His glory.
Consider the following:
Job — clueless to what was going on “behind the scenes;” blameless and upright; suffers sudden loss of wealth, property, and children, mocked by his wife, agonizing bodily affliction, social scorn, and God’s apparent silence; endures friends’ worldly wisdom and false accusations, clings to integrity, humbles himself when God speaks, and is finally restored. (Job 1:1; 1:13–22; 2:1–10; 2:11–13; 3:1; 7:3–5; 12:4; 16:1–5; 19:13–22; 23:8–10; 27:5–6; 38:1–42:6; 42:10–17)
Jeremiah — lifelong rejection, beatings, stocks, prison, a cistern, and grief over Jerusalem’s hardness. (Jer 20:1–2, 7–18; 26:8–11; 37:11–16; 38:6; Lam 3:1–20)
Joseph — betrayed and sold by his brothers, enslaved, falsely accused, forgotten in prison before exaltation. (Gen 37:23–28; 39:7–20; 40:23; 41:14)
David — years hunted by Saul; betrayals and laments; family sorrows and rebellion under Absalom; disciplines from God. (1 Sam 19–31; 2 Sam 12:10–12; 15:30; Ps 3; 22; 69; 142)
Paul — a catalog of apostolic afflictions: imprisonment, countless beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, dangers, hunger, anxiety for the churches. (2 Cor 11:23–28; Acts 9:16; 14:19; 16:22–24; 21:27–36; 28:16)
Meanwhile, contemporary Christianity treats pain, suffering, and grief not only as abnormal but often as a lack of faith! In stark contrast to prosperity gospel heresy, the Apostle Peter discloses suffering, grief, and trials as evidence of God’s unyielding covenantal love for us.
First, trials warn sinners of hell’s imminent reality (Luke 13:1-5). Second, suffering refines and authenticates genuine faith like gold in fire (Isa 48:10; Heb 12:5-11). Even insults for Christ’s name carry a blessing because, when they come, Peter writes, “the glory of God’s Spirit rests upon you” (1 Pet 4:14). Peter distinguishes between our suffering for Christ from suffering for sin (4:15). Our endurance proves whether our faith is authentic or manufactured fruitless piety (Matt 13:20-21). It’s only legitimate faith that perseveres in the praise, glory, and honor of Christ (Acts 14:22).
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, we read, “So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the LORD to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
Do I consider suffering something to escape or to be delivered from… or is my prayer that Christ Jesus would meet me in those sufferings… so that I would know Him more intimately in what He suffered at the cross?
🤺Action: Where is the Holy Spirit leading you to embrace sufferings, die to self, and allow the grace of Christ to be sufficient for you?
🙏Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for loving me enough to refine me. Forgive my attempts to escape the refiner's fire of sanctification through suffering. Help me to know Christ in these sufferings, that Your grace is sufficient, and may Your Spirit rest upon me. Redeem my grief into steadfastness that glorifies Christ by edifying His church. Amen.
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Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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