Suffering not an option for the believer

1 Peter 2:20-21 “If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” As we look at the book of peter, we see his continual encouragement to stand firm during trials. As believers, this will happen. All of us that have our faith in Jesus, have been called according to his purpose will endure persecution. In the same way let us stand firm in the power of his might, not of our own power, looking forward to the vindication of the Father! We have been elected according to his sovereign will, and have been empowered to stand firm. Just as the Lord suffered, we followers of him must also suffer but we often time look at a stubbed toe on the way in to church as suffering for the gospel; wrong...the suffering that we will endure comes from confessing Jesus. This idea of persecution is translated by Webster’s as such…‘To oppress or harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs.’ Like Jesus….wow… Also, let us suffer, not as an evil doer (1 peter 4:14-16) but rather for the sake of proclaiming the name of Jesus, boldly, wherever we go! As we take time to pray and in our devotion time today, let us ask for the courage of Jesus to empower us, giving us comfort and strength. Comfort to endure, and strength to press on. It may look bad, but…it looked bad on the cross. It looked like the enemy won. We might be in that season of ‘look bad’ but Jesus got back up on the 3rd day, showing off and proclaiming his authority may we endure the suffering and await vindication of our Father! In the midst of it looking bad, let us understand the encouragement of Christ; getting back up and winning. We one day will also win in Christ, when the Christ returns, for his church, making things new, restoring, reviving, and renewing. This is what we look forward to brothers and sisters! Be encouraged. Grace and Peace.