“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 5:16

Have you ever decided to do something or not do something because you decided to obey God instead of going along with the crowd?  Maybe you were with a group of people who were gossiping and you decided to walk away.  Whatever the circumstance, obedience to God at that moment seemed to hurt because others didn’t respect you for your decision.

If you have experienced this or are currently facing such times, let me offer the hope of your loyalty to Jesus Christ.  As Oswald Chambers states, “If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight, but it costs those who do not love Him a good deal.  If we obey God, it will mean that other people’s plans are upset…we can prevent the suffering; but if we are going to obey God, we must not prevent it, we must let the cost be paid.”

Many times, however, loyalty to Christ brings about feelings of loneliness and isolation.  It is important to realize that sometimes God allows suffering to come into your life in order to strengthen your faith.  Suffering provides the opportunity to trust God.  You can rejoice because of what God will do in your life and what He promises for your future!  “Be not ashamed…glorify God.”  (1 Pet. 5:16)

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: Ecclesiastes 7:14
• Tuesday: Romans 5:3
• Wednesday: Romans 8:17
• Thursday: Philippians 1:29
• Friday: 2 Timothy 1:8
• Saturday: 1 Peter 2:21
• Sunday: 1 Peter 3:14-17