Title: How Do You Handle Unjust Suffering?
Text:
1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Observation:
Gospel Hymn - Author: Doris Atkers
"Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me."
Singing this hymn by the beloved poet Doris Atkers is what inspired me to think about today's topic. However, it took me in a direction that was different; one that I did not have on my mind.
I did not expect that song to lead me to our focal verse, and the topic for today's mediation. However, God knows the way, and He shows the way to His people when we walk in the path that Jesus is walking and working.
We who are Christ followers will never be able to accomplish what Jesus accomplished by His sacrificial suffering for the redemption of lost souls, but we can still benefit from His example. Here are a few verses of encouragements from the scriptures.
1 Peter 2:19-20 (ESV)
19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
The people of Charleston, SC have shown us, when we follow Christ example, what can happen; they have been demonstrations of genuine love and forgiveness, and provided living examples of this bible truth.
1 Peter 2:15 (ESV)
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
When the grief has subsided let's believe and pray that the examples and demonstration of love and forgiveness will not be forgotten. We need more and more love because we all have messes in our lives that requires forgiveness in order for love to abide. Our only hope is in God, who is love. God can love you without love being returned. We have hope because of this word from the Lord.
'Romans 5:5 (ESV)
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Prayer:
Father, hallowed be Thy name. Father, I'm praying that the attitude of love and forgiveness demonstrated by Your people in Charleston, SC will achieve the result of putting to silence the ignorance of foolish people anywhere they may be in the world.
Father, I pray that what the enemy meant for evil will turn out to be for good, and that it will bring down a Holy Spirit led, heaven sent revival in our country, and that it would spread to the ends of the earth. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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