Previous Posts:
Week 1 Post
Week 2 Post
Week 3 Post
About the Book**
The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women–past and present–to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
***
Week 4 – 1 Peter 2:11-25
Peter has a lot of good stuff in these verses and I could write a post about each section itself, but, for the purposes of this post, I am going to focus on verses 21-23, because they really jumped out at me, especially after reading Sue’s questions in the 1 Peter study guide. Verse 21 (NLT) says, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” Wow. Talk about a kick in the teeth. When I read the first half of that sentence, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering“, I was thinking “But I don’t want to suffer! Can’t I do good and not suffer?!” Then I continued reading and was extremely humbled, “Just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.“
Jesus never sinned. He never deceived anyone (verse 22). Yet, he suffered. For me. For you. For all of us. He suffered so we all could be set free. He suffered an excruciating death on a cross so we could be saved; so that we could finally enter into a personal relationship with God. Even now, I have a hard time grasping the enormity of it. That God loved us so much, he gave his only begotten son so that all who believe in him would not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). As the little girl at the end of the Focus on the Family John 3:16 commercial said… “Wow”. Yes, indeed.
Jesus never retaliated when insulted nor threatened revenge when he suffered (verse 23a). Instead, he left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly (verse 23b). I admit that I have a really hard time with giving things over to God. I’m not one to retaliate or seek revenge, but I like to try to solve problems on my own, instead of giving them to the One who already knows the answer. I think it’s the control-freak in me. This is an area that I continue to struggle with every day and continually ask for help with in prayer. It’s hard to give things over to God when you want to take things into your own hands and try to fix it. But, knowing that God “always judges fairly” makes me realize that he wants what is best for me – always. And, it would be much easier for me if I would just let some things go, let Him do the work, and see what happens. It is just so hard to do, though!
I continue to be a work-in-progress! 
Thanks for visiting today! Enjoy the Super Bowl!
***
I am happy to call myself a work in progress, too! Thanks for your post during Week 4!
Just this morning my mother and I were discussing the topic doing good. The two of us are fist calss do gooders and bible believing christians. Yet we asked why tribulations come our way, especially me, when all the time, I put the welfare of others above mine, only to go through so much attacks, both physical and spritual. 1Peter 21-23 is talking to me, Jennifer. And after reading that I shoudl do good, even it means sufferign just like Christ suffered for me, who am I to complain? Yes, I am also a work-in-progress. Amen. Thanks, Jennifer.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring post to us…I really appreciate it..Hope you can continue sharing inspiring words..
Reading bible is one thing that i really want to.. In times that I’m feel down I hold on with Great Bible.
It is very beautiful & attractive post. Thanks.
I’ve held onto the reigns for far too long. I haven’t shown much trust in God lately. I’m not getting anywhere with my own efforts either!
this is a very informative information.thanks for this blog.It is very beautiful & attractive post. Thanks