Doubt & Devotion

Suffering wis points us to God, who sees our pain and promises help.

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Suffering is a major theme in the Bible, but it is always presented with a specific purpose and perspective. It is never meaningless or random. There is suffering primarily because we live in a fallen world. Suffering entered through sin and brought with it pain, sickness, injustice, and death. While it is not caused by an individual, it exists simply because creation is not as God has intended.

God also uses suffering for growth and maturity. Many places in the Bible show how God redeemed suffering and used it to shape the character and faith of certain individuals and people groups. Jesus himself suffered, and as disciples of Christ, we also shared in His suffering as part of our spiritual journey. 

If we are to suffer at all, why not suffer for doing what is right in the eyes of God rather than suffer for doing what is evil? Suffering is not specifically designed for those who do what is right, but Peter writes that Christian suffering should be viewed in relation to the will of God. As a good and gracious father, God doesn’t enjoy seeing His children going through pain and tribulation. But as a wise father, His will does allow for believers to suffer for doing good.

The kind of suffering described by Peter is not any kind of suffering but an innocent kind that believers go through for doing what is right. Christ modeled this Himself in obedience to the will of God. And just as God vindicated Christ for suffering in righteousness, so will He vindicate His people, proving in the end that no righteous suffering is ever wasted or overlooked.

Are you suffering as a direct result of your faith in Christ? Are you suffering because you chose to obey God and not man? Such moments test the sincerity of your discipleship and clarify where your allegiance truly lies. Rejoice because you share in the sufferings of Christ, and the same God who allows your trials will also reveal His glory in you.

Father, help me stay faithful when suffering comes for doing what is right. Give me courage to trust Your justice and wait for Your glory.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.