Devotion 2/1, Stand!
For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
1 Peter 2:19
There will be times as followers of Jesus Christ that we will have to endure some unjust suffering. Jesus certainly did while He walked this earth and we, as those who claim His name, may lose friendships, close family relationships, job promotions…etc. This world rejected Christ and we should not expect it to welcome us any more than it did Him (John 1:11)!
Wouldn’t it be incredible if those of us who are not touched by terrible persecution or hardship would begin each day praying for those in our spiritual family who do face hardship, persecution, suffering, and mistreatment? As they display the grace of Christ in the face of such difficulty to honor God, let’s pray that our Father will not only give them strength to endure, but that he will also deliver them soon!
Holy and merciful Father, please bless your children today who suffer pain and hardship while displaying the grace of Jesus. Whether these problems are because of persecution or because of life’s difficulties, I pray that you strengthen my brothers and sisters who are suffering. But Father, I know the only permanent answer for this suffering is for Jesus’ return. Thank you for your constant love, grace and mercies. In the name of the Coming Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
So when life’s challenges confront us, what do we do? Are we so convicted in our faith that we take a stand and trust in God?
Lord, your Word is pure. Your Holy Spirit dwells in the soul of my family of faith. I pray for conviction in You when difficulties cross our life’s path. Give us the strength to “stand” on Your Word and the strength of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for being by my side, always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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