---

Much of Peter’s first letter is focused on preparing us to face tough seasons of trials, suffering and persecution. Over and over it seems we could almost hear Peter’s refrain: “Let Hope reign! If you want Jesus to reign over your circumstances, he must reign in all areas of your life!”

Let Hope reign! If you want Jesus to reign over your circumstances, he must reign in all areas of your life!

The application of this truth was fleshed out in our family in a way that I must share with you. At the dinner table, one of our children asked, “Why did Jesus make Abbey deaf?” This is a question that we knew would come some day, but even so, when it did with such innocence, it jars you a bit. How do you communicate the grace and sovereignty of God in a way a child can understand? With the infilling of the Holy Spirit, Megan responded so perfectly. She said, “God brought Abbey through so much and through her he has done so many wonderful things. So God let Abbey be deaf so that, for the rest of her life, when someone asks her about the things she will wear behind her ear or they ask why she is deaf, she can tell them the whole story of how awesome God really is.”

In other words, Abbey’s disability is a gift from God for his glory. It is a gift so that neither Abbey nor the rest of us will ever forget the abundant grace of God through a difficult season.

Suffering is a gift that keeps us ever mindful of the love and grace of God.

Have you ever viewed your trial that way? Have you ever viewed suffering as a gift that keeps us ever mindful of the love and grace of God? For the child of God, saved by grace through faith, you can, and indeed, you should (Rom 8:28). So in your season of suffering, climb into the loving arms of your Father in heaven.