Graceful Truth

DON'T BE SURPRISED

November 26, 2019

DON'T BE SURPRISED


You may not feel it directly, but persecution against the followers of Christ is rapidly increasing around the world. There were more believers killed for their faith last year than any year in human history.

Even in America we see the bias against believers inclining. The Apostle Peter, who would later die for his faith, (crucified upside down because he didn’t feel himself worthy to be crucified like Christ), reminds us of the inevitability and the glory of such suffering.

12 Beloved, 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.

 

FACING SUFFERING

How should we deal with any suffering we or others may encounter?

  1. Don’t be surprised

This is not some unusual thing you are experiencing, but is to be expected. If we are not experiencing some measure of persecution it may be that we are not living fruitfully enough to warrant the world’s attention.

  1. Keep on rejoicing

We are to give thanks in everything, so suffering should be one of these places of gratitude. The earliest believers rejoiced that they had so lived that they could suffer like their Lord. A lack of suffering for the faith is often a sign that we are doing nothing that is stirring up the devil or running counter to the world.

  1. Realize you are in line for increased blessing

God promises an increased measure of blessing with those who experience an increased measure of suffering. His manifold grace will be more than sufficient for what we’re experiencing.

  1. Remember that the spirit of “glory and of God” is resting on you

Any serious believer has one great desire: that God would be seen and glorified through their lives. Suffering for the faith is one of the greatest opportunities to be mightily used for God. God promises that His Spirit will rest upon you in such times as you respond with joy and faithfulness for His glory!

 

 

 

 



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