Entrusting Ourselves to God

Dr. R.C. Sproul frequently made the point that the real challenge for the Christian is not to “believe in God” but rather to “believe God.” His point was that it is not so difficult to believe that God exists or that He has acted in space and in time. What is much harder for us is to believe the promises of God, to trust His Word and to act on it. Especially in the fire of suffering, we can have a hard time believing that God will bring His good purposes to pass. In such moments, it can be difficult to entrust ourselves to God.

Though it can be hard to do so, entrusting ourselves to God is exactly what we are called to do in suffering and, indeed, in everything. This month we conclude our study of 1 Peter, studying 4:7–5:14 and the Apostle’s concluding words on standing for Jesus as we suffer for Him. Peter’s teaching in this section addresses such issues as church leadership, loving service in the body of Christ, spiritual warfare, and more.

The Apostle’s instruction is given against the backdrop of suffering, and Peter calls us to humble ourselves before the Lord and to entrust ourselves to Him. As we do that, we will stand firm in the faith, persevering to the end.