Characteristics of our sufferings and pain (2)

Third: Variegated and comprehensive (manifold trials)
Our God, inasmuch as He is rich in many things, He is also rich in trials.  He has them in various kinds and colors. The word manifold comes in its origin as colorful; the trails are of all colors and their grades.  He knows well the need and the tolerance of each of us; therefore, He gives every person the convenient color and the appropriate grade of pain and trial.

Through this epistle and in each chapter, we see various and different types of pains and trials; some are from God and we see it in chapter one  "that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ”.

Some pains come from work; the Apostle Peter mentions in chapter two recommending us: "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.”  Here we can substitute the word “servants” by “employees”.  Yes, work is a divine project but it must have burdens, pains and injustice.  Even the believers!  Yes.  Apostle Paul said:  “Nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.”

While in chapter three, Apostle Peter mentions the trails and pains within the family, among wives and husbands and he recommends wives saying: “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.”

And in chapter four, He speaks about pains from the society and the world where we live; he writes: “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.”

While the last pains come from the devil, Peter mentioned it in chapter five warning us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Those are pains of various kinds and colors comprising all areas of life.

Fourth: Calculated and measured (for a little)
When our God allows pains, He gives them with study; He describes them as little in duration and in power.  Our God is aware of everyone’s degree of tolerance and endurance.  Therefore He says to Elijah: “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you” (1kings19:7).  He knows exactly what Elijah’s capability is, and that the distance is beyond his strength.

What comforts us is when God speaks about the grief, He says “little” but when he speaks about Joy, He says: “rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
Often, when we mention this verse, we believe that we will obtain this inexpressible joy at heavens but this Joy is ours right these days. “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”  (1 Peter 1: 7)

Dear reader, it is an unlimited and indescribable joy, that’s why Apostle Peter says that it is “inexpressible”.
This Joy is now yours despite all of your pains and sorrows.  It is greater than your pains no matter how hard they are, and it is stronger than your trials no matter how heated they become.

Magdy Samuel