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SUFFERING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)

DATE: WEDNESDAY, 28TH DECEMBER, 2022 (HOLY INNOCENTS DAY) 

TOPIC: SUFFERING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD

TEXT: 1 PETER 4:12-19

12.  Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13.  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed [are you,] for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
16.  Yet if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17.  For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if [it begins] with us first, what will [be] the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18.  Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
19.  Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls [to Him] in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
 

MESSAGE: 
Holy Innocents Day commemorates the massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem by King Herod. These children are being honoured as martyrs or saints. However, the killing of the innocents did not stop with them. Thousands have undergone the same cruelty at the hands of persecutors and thousands are still facing the same persecution. Peter teaches that suffering for Christ’s sake is a participation in the sufferings of Christ and an occasion for rejoicing. If we suffer with Him, we will also share in His glory. Right in the midst of our suffering, the Holy Spirit consoles us. God uses suffering to purify and to prepare His people for the return of Christ. Dear friend, doing God’s will is no guarantee that you will escape suffering. Don’t think it strange that you are suffering or being persecuted. Don’t expect that obeying Christ and doing good will make you healthy, wealthy, and popular. You will face persecution and hardship on account of His name. Your task is to hand over your life to a faithful Creator, knowing that after He has purified you, He will vindicate you just as He vindicated His Son. Like Jesus, hand over to the One who judges justly, when you suffer as the innocent servant of God.

PRAYER: 
Lord, give me grace to endure all hardships and trials for Your name’s sake. Amen.

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