Nothing changes these four things.

Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Peter 4:19

These words were written to Christians who were being heavily persecuted. People were being punished, imprisoned, and publicly executed for the “crime” of confessing faith in Christ. Yet Peter reminds them of four unchangeable truths that no persecution could diminish.

First, their suffering was in keeping with the will of God. He was in control and no experience of theirs was outside of His will. The persecution was then something He would use for His purposes. They were in His will even the hardships.

Secondly, they could still trust God. Precisely because His will overruled the will of persecutors, they could trust God with the outcome. Their souls were safely in God’s care. No human could change that.

Thirdly, God was their faithful Creator. He made them for His glory. He has never failed nor has He lost anyone who has been His. They could find hope and strength in the faithfulness of God.

Finally, they could still do good even as bad things happened around them and to them. Christians can still obey God even if misunderstanding and fearful attacks are the response we receive from the world. Doing good is the outcome of the love of God in us, and the fruit of the incredible gospel of Jesus Christ living and going forward from us.