Suffering Blessings

Read Proverbs 23

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. 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.

Matthew 5:11-12

Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted. “Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (John 15:20). So did the apostle Paul. “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). So what are we to expect? Trouble.

God’s value system and the world’s value system are in direct opposition. In the above verses, however, Jesus gives us a wonderful promise: A great reward awaits us in heaven. Not only that, but we can also expect that our suffering will produce a more intimate, authentic relationship with our Lord, as was the case with Job. After suffering the loss of his family, his livestock, and his health, Job said to God, “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes” (Job 42:5). In his sufferings, Job met God. The principle remains true for us as well (1 Peter 4:14).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Hard times highlight hope.

Today, Lord, grant me the courage to stand for your righteousness. Help me to treasure you above the approval and flattery of people.