Be Encouraged

Be Encouraged

ENCOURAGEMENT

Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 1 Peter 3:13

At first glance, Peter’s question may not seem to have an encouraging answer. Haven’t thousands of martyrs, including most of the apostles, discovered that there is great harm in the pathway of Christ? Hasn’t every saint found that following Christ leads to suffering for Christ? Didn’t Christ himself tell us repeatedly that it would be so?

The answer of course to each of these questions is in the affirmative. Yet the same Jesus who warned us “they will persecute you” (John 15:20), also promises us that “there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Luke 21:18).

How can these both be true? Peter explains in the context of his own assertion. Because the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers (verse 12), then even when they suffer for righteousness’ sake there is no need to fear or be troubled (verse 14). No true harm ever comes to those who follow the good path of God.

Although we will have tribulation, He has overcome the world. Although we will fall into various trials, we can count them a joy knowing that the trying of our faith is working patience in us. Although we will face tribulation, we glory in tribulation knowing that through our suffering the love of God will be shed abroad in our hearts. As a child of God, you can rest assured that whatever you are going through will eventually work for your good.

Prayer: I thank You, Lord, that in all situations you remain faithful.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-15

Be Encouraged