Blessings!
Today’s Promise is 2 Timothy 1:8, 9 CJB:
“So don’t be ashamed of bearing testimony to our Lord or to me, his prisoner. On the contrary, accept your share in suffering disgrace for the sake of the Good News. God will give you the strength for it, since he delivered us and called us to a life of holiness as his people.”
Devotion:
Persecution is nothing new to God’s people. While Christians have been persecuted, imprisoned, and put to death around the world since our Lord and Savior ascended to the Father’s right hand, the United States has remained relatively free of persecution. Until now. With the humanistic gospel of anti-Christ being spread through media, government, education, and even the pulpit, we have seen the persecution of those who hold to Christian values grow at an alarming rate. This shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus said, “and everyone will hate you because of me” Mark 13:13 CJB. But He also said, in that same verse, “But whoever holds out till the end will be delivered.” What Paul is telling Timothy here is don’t be surprised when persecution comes, but remember, God did not call us to be holy only to let us suffer. Our suffering reveals God’s power in us, not only to survive, but to thrive. This strengthens our faith and gives glory to God. So, hold your head high in the face of adversity, and show a dying world that there is more to your faith than empty words. Our God is mighty to save!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You know I hate confrontation, pain, heartache, suffering … but I know You are greater than it all, and You give beauty for ashes. Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord, in Jesus’ name, that I may bring You glory in every trial, that the world may know that You alone are God. Amen.
Have a victorious day in the Lord!
Rebecca
