Faith Under Fire

September 10, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”  1 Peter 4:16 NIV

 

     Have you ever decided to do something – or not to do something - because you chose to obey God instead of going along with the crowd?

 

     Ever been with a group of people who were bent on gossiping, and instead of joining the juicy chatter, you jumped at the first chance to walk away?

 

     Perhaps you have been in the presence of pranksters as a dirty joke was being told, yet you preferred the exit door, over the punch line and the vulgar laughter which followed?

 

     Whatever the situation or the subject matter, your obedience to God, at that moment, seemed to hurt because others didn’t respect your decision not to participate. Jesus says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 NIV

 

     If you have experienced this in the past or are currently facing such times, let me encourage you to rejoice – for at this moment, you are in a perfect position in which to glorify God. It is never shameful to suffer for being a Christian. When Peter and John were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of God’s approval of their work.

 

     Now, don’t go and seek out suffering – you’ll surely find more than enough along your life’s path – but don’t necessarily try to avoid it either. Instead, keep on doing what is right regardless of the suffering that it might bring. “The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 TLB.  Follow God, trust in Him, and try always to do His will. God will watch over and direct every step you take, if you just make Him number one in your life.

 

     Many times, loyalty to Christ requires us to say, “no” to others. This can bring about feelings of loneliness and separation. It’s important to realize that sometimes God allows suffering to come into your life in order to strengthen your faith. Suffering provides the opportunity for us to trust God. You can rejoice because of what God will do in your life and what He promises for your future! Don’t be ashamed, instead –Glorify God! “You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24 NIV

 

Dear Lord,

 

     Everywhere I turn, decisions need to be made. How can I always know which is the best choice? Help me always turn my thoughts over to you, Lord, and help me be always bold and upright in my faith. Help me not to feel defeated when I am persecuted for my faith. Hold me as I continue to trust in and depend on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14