Magdy Samuel

Serialized Articles From:
"Peace amid Pain"

Last Published Devotions

Obedience and pain
Obedience treats pain (1)

“As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14)

Apostle Peter is telling us about our relationship with God and our obedience to Him as a Father and not a master; he says “As obedient children”  and in verse 17 he writes: “And if you call on the Father” Therefore it’s not obedience of slaves but that of children.

This epistle is given the name of: "Epistle of obedience"; for the writer spoke much on obedience and submission. He mentioned in this epistle the word “submission” 6 times and the word “Obedience” is mentioned many times also, three of them came in the first chapter. Apostle Peter writes on the obedience as a treatment for our pains, and that it is inevitable during the pain; and also that there are several fields of obedience and submission. Thus it is one treatment, but it has various aspects.

The First aspect: Obedience treats pain
1- Obedience is a preventive treatment for many pains.
Not all trials and sufferings are meant to shape us or protect us or for the genuineness of our faith, for there are pains resulting from our disobedience.

The Apostle Peter speaks about two categories of pains, and recommends us regarding the first category saying: “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); regarding the second category of pain, he recommends us saying: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” ( 1 Peter 4:15).

The Apostle James writes on the pain in chapter one of his epistle saying: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”, then he writes on the second category of pain saying: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:2,3,13,14);

Thus pains could be from God to test our faith; or it could be allowed by God as a result of our transgressions.

Beloved, there is a Divine rule that says: “For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). There are pains that come as a result of breaking our Heavenly Father’s commandments. For every disobedience and rebellion has a harvest, therefore the Bible warns us saying: “Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the LORD your God” (Jeremiah2:19). Sin is not only against God, yes it’s evil before God but it also generates bitterness inside us.

Dear reader, if you are looking to enjoy a peaceful life amid your pains, do not suffer as an evildoer. For God says “Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea” ( Isaiah 48:18). Hence obeying God’s commandments will not only prevent many pains but will also fill our hearts with peace.

Magdy Samuel