Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Trials and insults, false accusations and persecution, are all part of the landscape for those who live in Christ. Jesus knew this.
He also knew that we could face these difficulties in His strength and power (see John 16:33). Paul wrote about facing persecution and, in the midst of it, being encouraged by the church’s faith in Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 3).
Jesus has made a way. He is the way forward no matter what we face. We walk through it in Him. We walk through it in Him together as His church.
As you pause today, what is Jesus speaking to you heart about through His word? What is the condition of your heart today? Are you troubled? Are you encouraged? Perhaps a bit of both?
Let’s come to Jesus as we are today and know that He meets us there (Matthew 11:28-30). He loves us. He grows us to be more like Him. As we rest in Him today, let’s listen to what He says and obey Him. Let’s pray for those that His Holy Spirit brings to mind.
May our lives be further transformed in Jesus today.
I invite you to prayerfully reflect on this song as you pause in prayer today:
The Lord bless you!
Psalm 30
