November 26, 2019
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.
FACING SUFFERING
How should we deal with any suffering we or others may encounter?
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.
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.
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.
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!
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
