God's Will in the Storm

The pursuit of God’s will is a life-long priority for all Christians.

But just what is the Lord’s purpose for us—for you, or me?  In a sense, every biblical teaching on how to think or speak or act points us to “God’s will.”  I suppose 1 Thessalonians 4:3 sums it up:  “This is the will of God, your sanctification.”  Growth in holiness and Christ-likeness is the Father’s design for all his children.

One issue we don’t often think of in connection with God’s will, how­ever, is suffering.  Is it God’s will for us to face pain and afflic­tion?  We might be tempted to answer quickly, “No!  God loves us, he’s good, he aims to bless us, he wants us to have joy—the abundant life!”  But 1 Peter shows that this reaction is too simple:

• “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (3:17).
• Suffering positions us to live “for the will of God” (4:2)
• “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (4:19).

Of course, Jesus prepared us for this:  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).  Just think:  blessed amidst suffering.

Sometimes it’s God’s will for us to suffer—and his purpose is good, as when he refused to give Paul relief from a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).  So too, Peter teaches that the will of our good God can include suffering.  So that means when we’re in the throes of grief or pain, it’s no sign that God has done wrong or we’re somehow “outside of his will.”

The fact is, like surgery, the harsh experience of trials can be the place of deep, healing heart-work.  Remember, Paul was in prison when he urged the Philippians to receive the peace that passes understanding as they entrusted their worries to God (4:6-7).