The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, December 28, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Wednesday, December 28,2022 (Holy Innocents Day)
TOPIC: SUFFERING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD
TEXT: 1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, December 28, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Holy Innocents Day commemorates the massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem by King Herod. These children are being honoured as martyrs or saints. However, the killing of the innocents did not stop with them. Thousands have undergone the same cruelty at the hands of persecutors and thousands are still facing the same persecution. Peter teaches that suffering for Christ's sake is a participation in the sufferings of Christ and an occasion for rejoicing. If we suffer with Him, we will also share in His glory. Right in the midst of our suffering, the Holy Spirit consoles us. God uses suffering to purify and to prepare His people for the return of Christ.
Dear friend, doing God's will is no guarantee that you will escape suffering. Don't think it strange that you are suffering or being persecuted. Don't expect that obeying Christ and doing good will make you healthy, wealthy, and popular. You will face persecution and hardship on account of His name. Your task is to hand over your life to a faithful creator, knowing that after He has purified you, He will vindicate you just as He vindicated His Son. Like Jesus, hand over to the One who judges justly, when you suffer as the innocent servant of God.
Prayer: Lord, give me grace to endure all hardships and trials for your name's sake, amen.