Mystic and philosopher Simone Weil observed that our natural human impulse is to turn away from suffering, so we tend to blame the victim. Yet the writer of First Peter challenges this view. When we encounter a “fiery ordeal,” the author invites us to “rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that [we] may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.”

Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, many believers have followed this axiom to extremes by choosing penitence as a way to move closer to Jesus and even to glorify suffering—despite what Jesus says. He declares: “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Even so, the author of First Peter is not recommending a passive agreement to fate but rather bringing an expectant hope—because in trial, the presence of the “Spirit of God is resting on you.”

Throughout his ministry, Jesus does not avert his eyes from those in pain—not even the tug on the hem of his garment in a big crowd. He must experience great weariness, but again and again, Jesus looks at and acts to end suffering.

First Peter invites us to cast all our anxiety upon God because God cares for us. A dear friend tells me that as she walks, she prays and offers her worries to the sky, imaging God there to receive them. I find it helpful to envision Jesus walking ahead of me preparing the path or beside me sharing the yoke. What helps you to cast your cares upon God?

First Peter 5:10 leaves us with a picture of this walk in faith amid suffering: “[T]he God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ . . . will restore, support, strengthen and establish you.” Amen and amen.