October 12th, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin
by Dr. Josh Franklin
"Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." - 1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV)
The word "commit" here is like depositing money in a bank. We deposit money to keep it secure and safe. Peter is saying, "Commit yourself to God. Place yourself in God's hands."
Norman Geisler said this: "The solution to suffering is submission to sovereignty." God is God, and you are not.
There's nothing wrong with asking God to deliver you. Paul asked three times, "Remove this thorn from me." God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you." You might not get the answer you're hoping for, but it's okay to ask God to remove it.
You may not fully understand why you're suffering, but the answer is submission to sovereignty.
The three Hebrew children were told, "If you don't bow, you're going into the fiery furnace." They replied, "God is well able to deliver us from your hands, O king." That shows faith. Then they added, "But even if our God doesn't deliver us from the fire, we will not bow."
That's the mature Christian response. We pray in faith, asking God to do the miraculous, yet we still bow to His sovereign plan.
Notice Peter calls God "a faithful creator." The same God who created the universe, spoke stars into existence, and formed you in your mother's womb—He's holding you in His care, especially when you are suffering.
Reflection Question: What area of suffering do you need to give to God, trusting in His sovereignty, even if He doesn't change your circumstances?
Faithful God, today I choose to intentionally submit all my struggles, questions, pain, and concerns about the future to You. Help me to trust in Your faithfulness, even when I don't see the outcome. Grant me a mature faith like that of the Hebrew children, believing that You can deliver us while also submitting to Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, amen.
Adapted from "When the Heat is On": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vczppxd/21-when-the-heat-is-on-1-peter-4-12-19
The word "commit" here is like depositing money in a bank. We deposit money to keep it secure and safe. Peter is saying, "Commit yourself to God. Place yourself in God's hands."
Norman Geisler said this: "The solution to suffering is submission to sovereignty." God is God, and you are not.
There's nothing wrong with asking God to deliver you. Paul asked three times, "Remove this thorn from me." God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you." You might not get the answer you're hoping for, but it's okay to ask God to remove it.
You may not fully understand why you're suffering, but the answer is submission to sovereignty.
The three Hebrew children were told, "If you don't bow, you're going into the fiery furnace." They replied, "God is well able to deliver us from your hands, O king." That shows faith. Then they added, "But even if our God doesn't deliver us from the fire, we will not bow."
That's the mature Christian response. We pray in faith, asking God to do the miraculous, yet we still bow to His sovereign plan.
Notice Peter calls God "a faithful creator." The same God who created the universe, spoke stars into existence, and formed you in your mother's womb—He's holding you in His care, especially when you are suffering.
Reflection Question: What area of suffering do you need to give to God, trusting in His sovereignty, even if He doesn't change your circumstances?
Faithful God, today I choose to intentionally submit all my struggles, questions, pain, and concerns about the future to You. Help me to trust in Your faithfulness, even when I don't see the outcome. Grant me a mature faith like that of the Hebrew children, believing that You can deliver us while also submitting to Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, amen.
Adapted from "When the Heat is On": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vczppxd/21-when-the-heat-is-on-1-peter-4-12-19
Dr. Josh Franklin
Recent
We Are Made in the Image of God, part 2
June 3rd, 2026
We are Made in the Image of God
June 2nd, 2026
Relationships are Messy, but Worth It
June 1st, 2026
How Are You Treating The Church?
May 29th, 2026
The Heartbeat of Jesus
May 28th, 2026
Are You Pleasing God or Pleasing Man?
May 27th, 2026
Who Needs to Hear Your Story?
May 26th, 2026
Jesus Lifts Women in Society
May 25th, 2026
Keep Looking Up
May 22nd, 2026
Return to Your First Love
May 21st, 2026
No Comments