A Faithful Creator
Today’s Verse:
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. ~1 Peter 4:19
The reference to God as our Creator is found five times in the Bible. It is found three times in the Old Testament and twice in the New Testament. “Creator” is a powerful name and description. It implies an author, founder, maker, controller, and master. The very name implies the One Who made all things. Peter uses this powerful description as an encouragement to believers who were going through tough times. Let us see the power of a faithful Creator in our lives this morning.
We see the adversity.
“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God….” Peter’s epistle was written to believers who were going through intense suffering. The timing of Peter’s epistle was in 63AD during the tyrannical reign of Nero. Nero submitted the Christians to horrific and unimaginable persecutions. As a result, Christians were on the run for their lives. Identifying with Jesus Christ as your Saviour meant division in your family, loss of your job, displacement, and being labeled an enemy of the state. Peter uses the word “suffer” or “suffering” fifteen times in this epistle to show his empathy with the plight of his brethren. Suffering is an adversity. Perhaps you are suffering from a trial, betrayal, disappointment, or hurt. Before you think about quitting, consider that your suffering is according to the will of God for your life.
We see the advice.
“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing.” What should you do when you are suffering? Commit your suffering to the Lord! “Commit” means to roll the heaviness of your problem on to the Lord. First, we must commit it to the Lord for the keeping of our souls. This means to let God take care of you during your suffering. Second, trust in God for your strategy, your steps, your stay, and your strength. The idea in committing is that we turn over the entire problem to God.
We see the absolute.
“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” In using the name “Creator” for God, Peter is helping us see that God is infinite, all-powerful, all-mighty, all-knowing, and in complete control. As our Creator, He is bigger than our suffering. As our Creator, He is wiser than our thinking. As our Creator, He makes a way where there is no way. As our Creator, He has a path and a plan for us. As our Creator, He cannot and will not fail. As our Creator, He will not let the situation get out of control. He has a perfect and complete plan. He is our God, Whose way is perfect. He is our God Who works in us “both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
We see the assurance.
He is not just our Creator, but He is our faithful Creator! Our assurance is that something good will come out of our adversity. Our assurance is that we are safe in Him. Our assurance is that He is at our side at all times. He gives us comfort when we are stressed out. He gives us power when we are without strength. He gives us grace when we are completely powerless. He gives us His constant assurance of His love for us. “Faithful” implies being steady, loyal, unwavering, and dependable. We are the apple of His eye, His beloved whom He never forsakes. Rejoice this morning that you have a faithful Creator Who is with you in your storms and adversities.
Have a blessed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 115-118