Charles Stanley (December-16-2023) Daily Devotion: Responding to Hardship.
Trials are an opportunity to see God work on our behalf in ways we can’t imagine.
1 Peter 4:12-19 - Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
When you are going through a trial, what’s your first response? Do you want to run away as quickly as possible to escape it?
Though that’s a normal feeling, God has a different way. It is not the trials in our life that develop or destroy us, but rather our response to those hardships.
How, then, should we react when difficulties feel overwhelming?
First, trust God. God wants His children to believe His Word and reflect on ways He’s been faithful in the past.
He assures us that He limits our trials and enables us to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it).
Second, persevere. Even when we don’t understand and the pain seems too much to bear, we shouldn’t quit.
We’re to continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. So, let’s cling to hope in Christ and praise Him in the midst of the pain.
Third, remember the Lord is in control. He allows adversity for a reason and demonstrates His sustaining power through it.
Even though the pain might feel intolerable, God will never leave our side. Scripture compares our growth to gold, which is refined through fire (1 Peter 1:7 - so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ).
We will encounter difficulties—sometimes intense and painful trials that seem too much for us.
Yet we can rely on our heavenly Father to deliver and guide us in ways we could never imagine.
He doesn’t expect that we endure on our own, but He does want us to respond with faith.
Bible in One Year: Titus 1-3, Philemon 1:1-25
Published in Charles Stanley Daily Devotion
0 Comments
Please drop a comment. God bless you!