Today’s Encouragement is 1 Peter 4:16 NLT But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
No shame to suffer-
I admit, I don’t want to even think about it, write about it or consider it. I’d rather it wasn’t there. I’ve ignored, even denied it most of my Christian life… the idea of suffering because of my faith.
We often conjure up thoughts of an atheist roundup of Christians, “Denounce Christ or Die!”, with a gun to our heads, but there are many forms of suffering for our faith. It may be exclusion from the gang at work who go out partying while you go home to spend the evening with your family. It could mean suffering the loss of your job because you stood up for your Christian principles at work. The ways we might suffer are unlimited and in today’s society – growing! So recognize my friends when suffering of one type or another does come along, “It is no shame!”
Rather, the privilege of suffering for His Name is a blessing! For which we can praise God!
Father, please grant us the privilege of praising you whenever we suffer for being Yours.
The Cause of Christ
Kari Jobe
Today’s Encouragement 