LifeLink Devotions for Monday, April 29, 2024

As God increases our faith through our trials and circumstances, the second principle 0f faith is this, “Faith minimizes risk.”

Can you see that principle at work in Diane’s life from last week’s story? She saw the risk of losing her children and the risk of going to jail with a felony conviction only through the loving heart of her Father in heaven, and her risk was minimized. Oh, it will be extremely hard if those consequences are realized, especially since they are not deserved, but we must evaluate our understanding of God as we walk through the risk. If the worst happens, is not God still God? Is not God still in control? Is not God still working all things together for His good? Is there not still some Divine purpose to it all?

If your answer to any of those questions is “no”, then brace yourself – God is about to do something in your life to increase your faith. Why would he do that? Because He loves you and desires you to know the fullness of His love and grace. Paul says this in Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Probably the greatest book in the New Testament on suffering is First Peter. Here is a collection of verses for you to consider today as you grow in your faith so that the risks of this life are minimized because of your confidence in God’s heart.

“For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed…It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.”

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

There’s a lot to think about in all of that, but I would like us to make it our personal goal to react to suffering the way Peter describes and the way Diane models. Study these verses and apply them to your situation. Let the world see the hope of glory in our lives.

Pastor John