--"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."--(1 Peter 4:12-13)-
There was tremendous persecution in the early years of the Church’s emergence in Jerusalem. New Testament scholars say it was the strength of Peter’s character and his determination to follow Jesus at any cost that allowed the Church to survive and even thrive under that intense pressure. Jesus had warned him, reprimanded him, and ultimately given him great responsibility. The result was that Peter became a Jesus-follower who simply would not quit.
It’s possible that in the trials you experience, in the places God is walking you through, He’s preparing you. Nothing builds strength like resistance. Nothing creates gratitude like seeing our vulnerabilities and feeling the grace and the mercy of God. Nothing creates opportunity like sharing the gratitude we feel for God’s work in our lives. Christ-followers are not perfect folk, but God has called us out of darkness into the Kingdom of His Son.
-Like Peter, we are flawed, but the grace of God is sufficient to bring us through. The strength we gain as we weather the storms of life will make us even more effective ambassadors for the King.
**THINK ABOUT IT --Remember a time when God brought you through something you thought was unbearable. How did that experience strengthen you for greater service in His Kingdom?
**PRAYER --"Heavenly Father, teach me to appreciate the times of peace in my life so that when trials and suffering come I am prepared and strengthened to endure and honor You in all that I do. I want to be equipped to lead and help others in the presence of pain and suffering. Forgive me for short-sightedness and self-interest that weaken my resistance to a Holy Spirit-led life. I desire to find my fullest self in Christ Jesus and serve only Him. In Jesus’ name, amen." Hallelujah! Hope is Alive!
