Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:10
As we examine our lives, we need to ask ourselves each day if we are living faithfully for our Lord. As we saw yesterday, every believer will receive “the crown of life” as an inheritance from our Lord. We know as Christians that suffering and persecution are promised in this life. We must choose to respond in a way that honors our Lord and not fall prey to giving in to our fleshly weaknesses (whining, complaining, moaning, groaning, feeling sorry for ourselves, having a pity party, etc…). We need to be able to proclaim the words that God had Paul proclaim in Romans 8:18, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Our Lord has already told us that we should not be surprised when suffering comes our way. He declares this truth again beautifully in 1 Peter 4:12-14, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. So, our response to persecution and suffering is to “rejoice,” knowing that we are blessed because God’s Spirit lives in us and has sealed us for eternity in Christ
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your response to suffering and persecution?
2. How are you currently responding to the tests and trials that you face in this life? How does your response honor our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!