Today: Strong and steadfast, through suffering
Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 5 – NIV (NIV)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5, NIV)-emphasis added
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
The Biblical view of life is totally different from that of the world’s view of life. Jesus told very clearly that He will come again. He spoke about his own death, resurrection and assention before they happened, and they came true. Every day, we see the fulfilment of His prophecies and promises
The early church faced much persecution; it is happening today, in many parts of the world, especially in the East. If you want to see a church of quality, you have to see a church under persecution. You will see true love, sacrifice and substance there. Where everything is favorable, you may see more of a style than substance, and quantity without quality
It is in the most unexpected ways and time that persecution on Christians start, in many places. A single, unexpected event can trigger that. They even made accusations on Jesus. Satan is very tricky. That is why, we need to watch and pray
Peter goes on to speak about some of the benefits of suffering. Sufferings can make a person strong and steadfast. Unlike many others, Christians don’t retaliate, in most cases. God is in charge
The duty of the Church is to stick closer to God and His word. The world may force church to come its way. When church succumbs to the pressure of the world, it looses its power and purpose.
I remember a great woman of God, who entered her eternal rest. She used to share Christ with everyone she met, and pray for them, and even keep calling and talking to them on the phone. The reason? She was that sure of Christ; she was deeply rooted in Him
It is a sad fact that many in Church today, have no deep roots in Christ. A “Christian name” does not make anyone a true Christian. Knowing Christ and knowing about Him are two different things.
Let there be room for Christ inside our hearts and homes, not outside!
Have a blessed day
BG
Pray for those persecuted in the name of Jesus worldwide, and for those who persecute them.