Painful Suffering
Dear friends, don't be surprised by the painful suffering you
are going through. Don't feel as if something strange were happening to you. Be
joyful that you are taking part in Christ's sufferings. Then you will be filled
with joy when Christ returns in glory.
Suppose
people make fun of you because you believe in Christ. Then you are blessed,
because God's Spirit rests on you. He is the Spirit of glory. Suppose you
suffer. Then it shouldn't be because you are a murderer or a thief. It shouldn't
be because you do evil things. It shouldn't be because you poke your nose into
other people's business. But suppose you suffer for being a Christian. Then
don't be ashamed. Instead, praise God because you are
known by that name.
It
is time for people to be judged. It will begin with the family of God. And
since it begins with us, what will happen to people who don't obey God's good
news? Scripture says, "Suppose it is hard for godly people to be saved.
Then what will happen to ungodly people and sinners?" —(Proverbs
11:31)
Some
people will suffer because God has planned it that way. They should commit
themselves to their faithful Creator. And they should continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:12-19
In
today’s world Christians are still persecuted. People endure prison in foreign
countries because of outspoken Christians, who have a passion for Christ.
Pray
for the safety and faith of the secret believers persecuted in countries where
it is illegal to share about Christ.
Pray
for the health, perseverance, and encouragement of believers who are imprisoned
for the gospel.
Pray that those who loved ones have died due to martyrdom will
rely on God for their strength.
Our Daily Bread –