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Securing the perseverance to rise above what seeks to bring us down...
Who are you when you don’t see Jesus or feel His presence? Where does your mind go, good or bad? Do you focus on the Lord’s promises or your loathsome projections? 1 Peter 4:12-19 informs us on what to expect as believers in Christ, living in this fallen world, so that we wouldn’t be alarmed but have peace through our adversities.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Fiery Ordeals are not to be feared but fought through
We shouldn’t consider our “fiery ordeals'' strange but rejoice that we suffer for Christ’s glory. Though it may be difficult for us to swallow this truth, we are not without our fears, anxieties, trauma’s, and disappointments. These negative emotions, if not cast at the feet of Christ, can become toxic traits that define and destroy our lives.
Much of the way we deal with life as adults is rooted in how we experienced life in our past. What we dwell on can be traced back to what we recall being harmful circumstances that became triggers of difficulty distorting our sense of discernment. Furthermore, dwelling on the wrong things can cause us to display toxic reactions that are settled in restlessness, double-mindedness, instability, and general lack of faith.
Sometimes discomfort and disbelief lend their nonsense to circumstances we should triumph over. Unfortunately, it’s easier to remain still in the pain we know than to press forward through the perseverance we can’t yet see through. The beliefs we put into practice work to either build us up or tear us down. What makes our beliefs and practices relevant to what we attempt to overcome? This one question will help us understand the development and maintenance of positive and negative perceptions.
Relevance lends context to the relationships we have with people, places, and things. Once we understand how a connection is relevant to our behavior, if relevant at all, then we can properly diagnose the root of our tasteful and toxic traits. We must be careful not to get lost in the pointless cycle of only alleviating symptoms. It’s critical that the root of our fears, regrets, anxieties, and disappointments are remedied.Then we can heal thoroughly, committing ourselves to the mind of Christ along with the peace and courage that goes with it.
Fiery ordeals are not to be feared but fought through. The immediate threat of harm we sense in times of perseverance are only opportunities for us to learn, mature, glorify God, and overcome. No matter what weapon is formed against us, they will not prosper against us as we walk boldly in the grace God extends to us in the purpose He has called us to. Knowing the truth of God’s word concerning us should help us remain equipped to fight the good fight of faith.
Relevant Recollections
Relevance is important. When you’re faced with a trial, what collection of memories come to mind, and how do they affect your behavior? Do you react or respond? A reaction is the default behavior that follows what engages you. A response is a disciplined and intentional method of acknowledgment. This type of acknowledgment isn’t an agreement but a counter that identifies and neutralizes a power that’s not in agreement with the Word of God concerning you.
The typical reaction is rooted in our need to fight or flee. How we recognize a threat determines how we behave. If trauma is the lens by which we see, then we will react the way a timid and fearful person would. However, if triumph defines the lens by which we see, then we will respond with courage and authority. The issue many of us have is that the focal point of our perception is typically on the problem instead of the problem Solver.
The difference between a relevant recollection and an irrelevant recollection is context. Context is made up of two words, con (with) and text (the distinguished content of an idea that is being contextualized- written for understanding and consideration). The appropriate application of context supports why language is necessary. In its proper form, conversation is the act of sharing ideas that convey our thoughts to another person.
The Word of God is the Lord’s way of sharing with us His ideas about us. The Bible is often referred to as the acronym: B.I.B.L.E. or Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible offers us instruction but it’s not limited to our time on Earth. Through the written Word of God, we also learn who we are in eternity with and to God. There is also the revelatory Word that fortifies our understanding, inclusion, and faith in the biblical principles we study.
The relevance of not only reading the Bible but studying it diligently, is the quality of life we choose to live as a direct result of doing so. The Bible feeds us God’s thoughts, helping us embrace what is relevant and what is not concerning our livelihood and purpose. Knowing the truth of God helps us practice the healthy principles the Lord intended for us to commit to memory and apply intentionally and consistently.
This makes scripture the ideal type of relevant recollection. A relevant recollection is a memory, discipline, or practice that fortifies us in times of need. An irrelevant recollection is the opposite, being a memory or occurrence that distracts us from God’s word with the fear of failure. Fear's focal point is the center of activity, where the pressure of harm or failure attempts to isolate us from the truth of God’s word.
Success Against Suffering
Jesus is clear in 1 Peter 4:12-19 that suffering will occur in our lives, especially for believers in Christ. The world we live in does not understand or respect our walk with Christ. Regardless, Jesus tells us that there is no shame in our suffering but glory. It would be easy to fall away from the faith for someone who values their comfort over their covenant with the God of all creation. Let us not be those ones who default in their suffering to the ways of the father of lies.
The truth is that though we may suffer, there is a perfect peace that only exists in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, keeping us and empowering us every step of the way. We must trust in the Word of God and not the lies of the temper, who would have us believe that suffering for Christ’s sake is a waste of time. Our eternal reward is worth more than these few years of earthly hardships.
Times won’t always be difficult. The Lord blesses us with beautiful gifts, healthy relationships, and wonderful treasures here on earth also. But no experience or thing of value in this lifetime can compare to the riches in glory that are being stored up for us for the next life. So remain encouraged. When hardships arise, don’t focus on the suffering. Focus on the triumph you are persevering towards, celebrating even the tiny victories along the way.
No matter the circumstance, let us remain faithful to our Creator, continuing to do good. Whatever fiery ordeals we meet, we will overcome in Christ. There is no need to fear the fight. We have already been ordained by our heavenly Father to be successful against the kingdom of darkness. Let us shine brightly, seasoning the world with the Word of God in the love of our Abba Father.
1 Peter 5:10
(New Living Translation)
"In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation."
Thank You and God Bless!
Thank you for reading this blog. Your support and contribution is treasured here. Please continue to share this content so that God may work through us to be a benefit to others. I invite you to leave a comment and stay tuned in for the next blog. I pray that this blesses you and honor’s God. Let’s continue growing together as kingdom citizens in Christ. Show love, be kind, and trust in God. Thank you and God bless.
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