Today’s Encouragement is 1 Peter 2:20 NLT “Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.”
Endure it patiently-
We all ‘rise up’ against injustice. ‘That’s just so wrong!’ We exclaim, ‘Someone should do something about that!’ Our innate sense of justice recoils at anyone suffering for doing good. We expect instead blessings for those who do good and suffering only for those who do wrong and deserve it. This is ‘the way things ought to be!’
Friends, it just ain’t so in this fallen world. People don’t ‘do the right thing’ very often. And on the rare occasion when one does ’do the right thing’, there are many standing around to attack, criticize and even punish! This is exposing the truth of our fallen nature…. as Jesus said, John 16:33b NLT “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”
We groan and complain, we cry out “Why?” to God… and He answers us in the next verse, v21 “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
Father help us to graciously bear whatever suffering we must endure for doing good. Help us to follow in Jesus’ steps, laying down our own wants, needs, and desires for the salvation, the eternal lives of others.
Praise You in this Storm
Natalie Grant
Today’s Encouragement 