Take It Patiently 1 Pet 2:20 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
Take It Patiently
According to 1 Pet 2:20, when you are wrong and take it patiently, there is no glory in that. Like Lam 3:39 says, “Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?”
Likewise, when you do well, and suffer for it, and you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. According to 1 Pet 2:21, you were called to follow Christ’s steps. 1 Pet 2:19 says, “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”
But when you do well under the froward [1 Pet 2:18] and you are wrongfully suffering, remember that God can intervene and do anything he wants to [Ps 115:3]. God’s bigger than they are and he’s bigger than what you’re going through, no matter how froward “they” may be.
Look at these examples of people who took it patiently.
Jesus Took It Patiently
His death was the result of a massive miscarriage of justice. He was innocent. But notice that in 1 Pet 2:22-24 by his stripes we were healed. His death, burial and resurrection are the gospel. Through him we have our salvation. God did that. It was according to his determinate counsel and foreknowledge [Acts 2:23]. From man’s perspective Jesus’ trial and subsequent death were just plain wrong. But you can’t leave God out of the equation. He said, “Lean not unto thine own understanding.” When you go through something like that, take it patiently. Give God time to work.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Took It Patiently
They couldn’t bow dow and worship Nebuchadnezzar’s image. And so they were thrown in a fire so hot that it burned the men who threw them in the furnace. And in the fire they were not burned. Only God could do a thing like that. The result of this episode was Nebuchadnezzar’s proclamation [Dan 3:28-29] and their promotion [Dan 3:30]. Who could have seen that? There was no sense for Daniel or anyone else to be standing outside of the furnace crying “foul.” You had to be able to see what God was doing. When you go through something like that, take it patiently.
Daniel Took It Patiently
Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den under a contrived decree that was designed to remove him from his high office by those who envied him. He didn’t hire a battery of high-powered attorneys, he didn’t appeal to other authorities. Daniel just kept praying and went to the den when the king enforced the decree. He was not eaten. Instead, the actions of his adversaries resulted in their destruction and in the destruction of their families. The king also made a proclamation concerning Daniel’s God. When you go through something like that, take it patiently. Give God an opportunity to work.
Esther Took It Patiently
Remember her dilemma with Haman and Haman’s decree to slaughter the Jews. She didn’t scream and holler, “foul.” She fasted and prayed and she was given favor with the king. She wisely and succinctly stated her case and Haman was sacked. The Jews were able to defend themselves under a new decree and rid themselves of their enemies. Mordecai was promoted to Haman’s office. Only God could do a thing like that. When you go through something like that, take it patiently.
You say but these all took place in a relatively short time. My deal has gone on for years. Then remember:
Even Joseph Took It Patiently
Joseph spent many years in prison having been wrongfully charged. During this time his pride was abased. Instead of going to the courts, he went to God. And the Lord promoted him in due time. His entire family was saved from a severe drought. Who could have seen it. Just keep your eyes on the Lord and let him deal with these froward people [like Joseph’s brothers and Potiphar’s wife]. They can’t beat God when it comes to things like this. When you go through something like that, take it patiently. Let God intervene.
Conclusion
Don’t become despondent with the lack of response others show to your dilemma. The Lord can override anything and anybody when he is ready. Trust him. Take it patiently.