Daily Bite- Faith In Difficult Times Part 4
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, Philippians 1:29 ESV
Sometimes hardship is experienced not because we lack faith but because we believe in Christ. This text makes this point abundantly clear. Paul thought it fit to make this point to the early church and it is a valid point for all of us today.
As followers of Christ individuals will want to persecute us for what we believe in. In addition to that the devil is always making attempts at our lives for us to abandon our faith. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”. (1 Peter 5:8)
While Jesus was here on earth many sought to destroy Him because of His teachings and objections to the practices of the Scribes and Pharisees. In the gospels, Jesus slipped away many times in an effort to prevent His opposers from taking hold of Him.
Satan also made attempts to test the endurance of Christ. He was hungry and susceptible and the devil saw an opportunity in the wilderness and took it.
If he is bold enough to tempt Jesus, he will not hesitate to make your life miserable to test how convicted you are. He was bold enough to tell God he is in charge of the earth (See Job 1)
Satan will make your life miserable and smile at your hardship but be steadfast knowing that one day Jesus will say, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation” as He greets you with outstretched arms saying, “come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you”. (Revelation 7:14 and Matthew 25:34)
Lord,
My desire is to hear You say, ‘well done good and faithful servant’. Help me to be steadfast, vigilant, and mindful of what is at stake. Keep me faithful to the end is my prayer in Christ’s name.
Amen.
