God is Faithful
1 Peter 4:12-19 (MSG)
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!
If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.
Reflection
What do Tim Tebow (athlete), Kirk Cameron (actor), and Dolly Parton (singer/songwriter) have in common? They are well-known and successful in their professions, but they also have something much more significant in common. They all love our Lord Jesus Christ and are not afraid to show this to the world around them.
Tebow is a well-known former NFL football player who believes his talent and dyslexia are unique gifts from God. As a teenager, Cameron was an atheist, but during his years on the TV show Growing Pains, he became a born-again Christian. Parton points to her faith when she is asked about her generous charitable giving. By speaking out and letting their beliefs be known, these celebrities garner admiration and respect from many people. Unfortunately, however, they also have their share of adversaries who find their beliefs insulting and even divisive.
As Christians, we must be thick-skinned when others are offended by our choice to follow Jesus. As a matter of fact, are we making our views known in a loving and thoughtful way so that others have the choice to be offended by our beliefs?
We need to speak openly and show others that our cornerstone is Jesus. We need to live lives full of love for others, faith in God, and obedience to the morals God has instilled in us. Living this way can go one of two directions. First, we might offend those around us, possibly even to the point of abuse, and if this happens, scripture says we should embrace it.
If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate (verse 14).
But quite possibly, the second outcome might occur. Our words and actions just might impact a soul that needs to know the truth of God and His promise of salvation. Just by being open and honest about our faith, we have the potential to make all the difference in someone else’s life.
If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad? (verse 18)
Today, be bold, speak openly, and show others your love for God. Seek the Holy Spirit and trust where He leads you.
Action Steps
Do you find you are hesitant to show others what Jesus Christ means to you or what He has done in your life? This week, take the first step and start a conversation with just one person about your relationship with our loving Father. Think of ways to display your love and devotion to God so that others see you’re a follower of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your love for us astounds me. More than anything, I want to be worthy of Your overwhelming presence in my life. Help me to serve and worship You without hesitation or fear of what others may think. Let me be a witness to everyone I come in contact with so that they may know Your goodness and love like I do. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!
If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.
Reflection
What do Tim Tebow (athlete), Kirk Cameron (actor), and Dolly Parton (singer/songwriter) have in common? They are well-known and successful in their professions, but they also have something much more significant in common. They all love our Lord Jesus Christ and are not afraid to show this to the world around them.
Tebow is a well-known former NFL football player who believes his talent and dyslexia are unique gifts from God. As a teenager, Cameron was an atheist, but during his years on the TV show Growing Pains, he became a born-again Christian. Parton points to her faith when she is asked about her generous charitable giving. By speaking out and letting their beliefs be known, these celebrities garner admiration and respect from many people. Unfortunately, however, they also have their share of adversaries who find their beliefs insulting and even divisive.
As Christians, we must be thick-skinned when others are offended by our choice to follow Jesus. As a matter of fact, are we making our views known in a loving and thoughtful way so that others have the choice to be offended by our beliefs?
We need to speak openly and show others that our cornerstone is Jesus. We need to live lives full of love for others, faith in God, and obedience to the morals God has instilled in us. Living this way can go one of two directions. First, we might offend those around us, possibly even to the point of abuse, and if this happens, scripture says we should embrace it.
If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate (verse 14).
But quite possibly, the second outcome might occur. Our words and actions just might impact a soul that needs to know the truth of God and His promise of salvation. Just by being open and honest about our faith, we have the potential to make all the difference in someone else’s life.
If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad? (verse 18)
Today, be bold, speak openly, and show others your love for God. Seek the Holy Spirit and trust where He leads you.
Action Steps
Do you find you are hesitant to show others what Jesus Christ means to you or what He has done in your life? This week, take the first step and start a conversation with just one person about your relationship with our loving Father. Think of ways to display your love and devotion to God so that others see you’re a follower of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your love for us astounds me. More than anything, I want to be worthy of Your overwhelming presence in my life. Help me to serve and worship You without hesitation or fear of what others may think. Let me be a witness to everyone I come in contact with so that they may know Your goodness and love like I do. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
