Have you ever thanked your parents for disciplining you? Most of us probably haven’t thought twice about whether or not we wanted to thank someone for making our life more uncomfortable than it already is.
Why do we run from discomfort? Pain is not a welcomed friend of ours. We learn early on in life when we experience physical pain or heartbreak how to adapt so that we can avoid these problems down the road.
Read James 1:2-4. These verses remind us not that we should find joy in all kinds of pain, but that we should count it all joy when we experience persecution for Christ. When we are living for Him, He shows us that it’s through that opposition that our faith usually grows strongest. God doesn’t want you to have a weak faith that can be tossed about every time you hit a speed bump in life.
While we may not thank our parents when they punish us for our mistakes, they really are looking out for our best interests – which is why they show us that discipline in the first place. This discomfort helps direct our lives a little better and guides us in making wiser decisions. In the same way persecution reminds us that we find our hope and joy in Christ alone and not in our circumstances.
Think About This...
- When was a time that you experienced persecution because of your faith in God?
- What is something that God has taught you through the suffering you have endured through?
P.S. If you see this and are the first person to email Jim at jim@nsbcweatherford.com the code BEACHBUCKS25, you get $25 off of your cost for beach camp in PCB this summer! (so if you aren't going obviously don't email Jim) ((but you should go))
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