It is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:19–21, NIV 1984).
My Musings – We are “conscious” of the “example” that Christ left us. Not only should we “follow in His steps,” we are “called” to do so. Because “Christ suffered for [us]” and we know that it “is commendable before God.”
How exactly should we “[bear] up under” it? How do “[we endure] it?” We “[do] not retaliate…[we make] no threats. Instead, [we entrust ourselves] to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23, NIV 1984). This is how we “follow in his steps.“
My Advice – “Those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” (Job 36:15, NIV 1984). He may deliver us “from” our suffering and “speak” to us after our affliction. But it is often “in” or through our suffering and “in” or during our affliction.
Either way, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that [we] will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2–3, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 