Today’s Encouragement is Matthew 5:11-12 NLT “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. [12] Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Be happy about it –
Friends we still don’t get it!
We suffer through our difficulties in this life, often just like non-believers, maybe thinking, “Why are You doing this to me God?” Or “God must be punishing me for my sin.” And the non-believers blame fate, bad luck, or bad karma or…? Is it possible that when we blame God for all our difficulties, we are doing the same as them?
We will have trouble in this life! Jesus clearly told us in John 16:33 NLT “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”
He also said – you may have peace with me (as compared with trials and sorrows on this earth).
We have been given the gift of a glimpse of Heaven, His truth, His kingdom, His rule, while non-believers have not. For this reason, because we believe what Jesus taught us, we can rejoice in our trials… (this choice is still up to us…) recognizing that He is our Peace, these worldly troubles are but for a season, and we have a far greater hope, a perfect home with Him waiting ahead!
Or we can, just like the world, find someone or something to blame for our troubles and trials, even blaming God Himself, and building barriers in our relationship with Him in the process.
Father help us to praise You, even in our troubles, even when it hurts.
Even when it hurts
Hillsong United
Today’s Encouragement 