1 Peter 3:17 KJV
[17] “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”
When we think about suffering in the will of God, we must first think of our Savior. Jesus suffered on the cross as no man has ever suffered. However, Christ was not a criminal, even though He died between two thieves. The scene that day at Calvary was horrible, yet Christ suffered and died in the perfect will of God. The men beside Him were suffering for their evil doings, while He was suffering to fulfill the plan of salvation. He suffered for well doing. Because His suffering on the cross pleased the Father, He was crowned with glory and honor.
Another Biblical example of suffering in God’s will would be the death of Stephen. What is most interesting in Stephen’s death is that his prayer resembled one of the prayers of Jesus when He was on the cross. Jesus prayed for the Father to forgive those who had crucified Him, and Stephen prayed for the Father to forgive those who were stoning him. I think it is safe to say that Stephen not only died in the will of God, but he died for well doing.
I don’t think any of us invite suffering into our lives. We must also remember that God does not enjoy watching His children suffer. He wants the best for every one of us. However, we live in a world of suffering, and sometimes suffering is the only avenue for the child of God. Sometimes, it is the perfect will of God for His children to suffer because it is out of suffering that God gets the glory and others find their way to the foot of the cross.
Saul could not get away from it when he saw Stephen suffer and die. Through that faithful witness, the message rang in his heart of the forgiveness of God. Then, on the road to Damascus, he had a head-on collision with the One who suffered and died for his sins. Saul became Paul after his conversion and spent the rest of his life suffering for the Gospel. Like his Savior and brother Stephen, he suffered in the will of God for well doing.
Dear reader, do not be discouraged if you suffer for well doing. Perhaps you are facing persecution on the job or from your family for being a Christian. Do not back up or give in, but hold fast to your faith and convictions. Live a godly life amid your suffering so others might see Jesus in you. Remember, even though we suffer in this life, we are winners either way!