During his ministry on earth, Jesus sought those who, like him, were prepared to completely dedicate, or consecrate, their hearts and minds to God. Jesus understood that this type of commitment, which would come at the expense of worldly goals, approvals and rewards, would be a difficult path for people to follow, and thus not very appealing or even understood by the majority of mankind. Because of this, Jesus referred to the choosing of this type of lifetime commitment as “entering at the strait gate” that “few would find” (Matthew 7:13-14). The reward for being judged as having kept this lifelong vow of consecration to God is a divine existence alongside the glorified Jesus, as a member of his church class (2 Timothy 2:11-12, 1 John 3:2-3). 

Since the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has been calling receptive hearts and minds to enter into this consecrated life to Him. 1 Peter 5:10 begins by referring to this calling by God (“who hath called us”). This same thought is also given in 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (“…God who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling”). Both 1 Peter 5:10 and 2 Timothy 1:9 also teach that we are only able to be called through Jesus. In order to approach God, one must believe in Jesus and in his sacrifice on behalf of mankind (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5). 

Living a life of consecrated service to God requires not only constant personal vigilance and effort to stay focused on Him and His son, (Philippians 3:8,13) but it also puts one at odds with the world. Jesus suffered ridicule, disbelief, mocking and eventual death. Those who follow him should not be surprised if similar modern equivalents happen to them (John 15:18-20). Collectively, these difficult experiences in the life of God’s consecrated people are referred to as “sufferings” in 1 Peter 5:10. 

God does not cause these difficult experiences in the lives of His followers. God is a God “of all grace.” God is the epitome of justice and love. It is both illogical and impossible for Him to cause suffering to any, let alone those who love Him so much that they have set aside all other things to please Him. 1 Peter 5:8 leaves no doubt as to the source of all suffering and evil. However, although God does not cause suffering in the lives of His followers, He does permit them. God understands that when He calls us, we are fallen and imperfect creatures, prone to sin and disobedience. God understands the temptations that the adversary will place in the lives of His followers to try to lure them from their commitments to Him. Consecration is not an instantaneous transformation. Like anything of value, it requires work and dedication. It requires experiences and development to “stablish” and “strengthen.” In Romans 5:3-6, the Apostle Paul refers to the development of the consecrated heart and mind as a sequence that begins with “tribulations” (or “sufferings” as 1 Peter 5:10 calls them). Through them, we learn patience. Over time, patience leads to experience. Through experiences, we learn hope; hope that we will, with the help of “the God of all grace” be judged worthy of our vows of lifelong consecration (“after that ye have suffered for a while”) and granted the reward of a perfect and everlasting existence alongside the glorified Jesus. 

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1176: “Does God REALLY Want Me to Suffer?”
Putting our personal sufferings into context with God’s plan
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1264: “What Does God’s Grace Do For Us?”
Defining, applying and profoundly appreciating the grace of God
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes