Feb 06 2022

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Christian persecution did not end with the deaths of the New Testament disciples. Even today, followers of Jesus are being tortured, killed, and mocked for their faith.

The Apostle Peter is well known for his poor choice in denying Jesus three times. However, God called Peter to build His church. Peter encountered persecution and understood what it meant to suffer for Christ. It didn't stop him from sharing the Gospel.

1 Peter 5:10 says that our suffering will last for "a while." When we face difficult situations, it provides an opportunity for our faith in God to grow. The scripture says that God will strengthen us. He doesn't want us to endure suffering in our own strength. He wants us to rely on Him like never before.

When Jesus suffered and died for our sins, His character never wavered. He was steadfast in reflecting His Father in every action. After we have endured hardship and stood firmly in our faith, we will look more like Jesus—our supreme example.

Suffering is painful, but it is also temporary. We know that when this life is over, we will spend eternity with Christ. This assurance can give us peace that sustains us no matter what we endure.

Lord, I'm so thankful that the mistakes I've made do not cancel your calling on my life. Thank you for your grace that gives me the ability to start over. Sometimes life can be hard. Please give me the strength to endure and build your character in my life. When I feel discouraged, help me to keep my eyes on you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Feb 05 2022

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. :

One of the oldest trees in the world is a Great Basin bristlecone pine in the White Mountains of California. Researchers believe it is more than 4,845 years old. This type of tree is known for its clonal properties. When its trunk begins to die, a new shoot forms from the old trunk's roots and takes its place. Each trunk only reaches about 30 years before dying. However, the root system beneath the tree keeps growing.

As Christians, our roots keep us connected to God, even when other parts of our lives may be suffering. In Jeremiah, we're reminded that we may experience difficult seasons, but we can still be fruitful because our faith is nourished by the Lord.

According to this afternoon's verse, trust and hope are the basis of a healthy relationship with God. When we depend entirely on God for everything we need, we learn to trust Him to provide for us in every way.

Our growth during difficult times is a testament to others of God's faithfulness and sustaining power. While our earthly life is temporary, the relationship with God that we are establishing here on Earth is eternal.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your faithful love in my life. I can put all of my trust in you, knowing that you are with me. When I face difficult seasons of life, draw me close as I learn to depend on you. I am so thankful for your faithfulness, Jesus. In your name, amen.
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