Text: 1 Peter 3:14 NKJV

Further Reading: Job 1:1-22

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

1 Peter 3:14 NKJV

MESSAGE

Suffering can be very overwhelming especially when you a living correctly in Christ. It is hard to understand why with all your devotion and commitment to the cause of Christ and His kingdom on earth you still have to suffer.

When you think about Job and the things He suffered, you will be amazed. This was by far the most righteous man of his time. He loved righteousness and hated sin. Job was very conscious not only of the state of his relationship with God alone but that of his children.

This was a man who had no Bible but had in his heart a reverential desire to please God. But then the storm of life came and his life fell apart. It reminded me of the words of David in Psalms 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous”.

The Bible also says that the righteous cries. It is unthinkable for humans to see a man living for God and yet buffeted with much suffering. The fact that we live godly in Christ will attract great suffering. The world will persecute us, the devil will attack us, and the genuineness of our faith will be tested.

Although Job lost all of his children and his possession, and also suffered serious pains in his body, the Bible spoke of his steadfastness in God. He would not curse God nor sin with his lips (Job 1:19), rather we hear Him make beautiful statements like:

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
Job 13:15 NKJV

Beloved, don’t be dismayed or depressed because of your suffering, God will bring greater blessings out of that situation. The Bible says that God turned the captivity of Job and gave twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).

I want you to rejoice knowing that God is not hurting you or unnecessary punishing you but He is making a great testimony out of your life through that situation. God is faithful in your suffering.

REFLECTION

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalms 34:17 KJV

God hears all your cries and deliverance is certainly coming your way soon. Praise the Lord.

PRAYER

Father, please let your presence be with all the saints going through diverse challenges and give them the comfort of the Holy Spirit.