Monday Devotion: Week 1: Answer to Suffering
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1 Peter 3:14-15 NIV
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Reflective questions:
- How have you been persecuted because of your faith?
- Have you stand up for your faith when your friends, family and co-workers falsely accused Christ Jesus, the truth and the way?
- What was that fear, that have been stopping you to proclaim your faith to your friends, family, co-workers?
- Are you brave enough to tell your friends, family, coworkers that you are a follower of Christ.
- When your work go against your faith, are you willing to stand firm in your faith and defend Christianity?
Dear heavenly father
Forgive us. We are weak. We want to do good, but we can’t.
Romans 7:18 NIV
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
Help us to fight against the temptation to disown you when the world challenges our faith.
Help us to be bold like the Apostle Paul in proclaiming the Gospel.
And yes, Lord, we do not have to worry about what words we shall be saying, for You have sent us an Advocate that will guide us on behalf.
Matthew 10:19-20 NIV
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, [20] for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Let us always remember, in You there is no fear.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
That you have already overcome the world.
John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Dear God, help us to remember you are always with us as we go through our trials.
Your Spirit is always with us.
You dwell in our body. And you are the one who has always been shielding us when we think we are only by ourselves.
In fact, You gave Your life for us while we were still a sinner.
Romans 5:8 NIV
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
What is more that you wouldn’t give us?
May we learn to trust in Your Promises.
That in spite of our persecution, we remember our hope in You, and stand firm in our faith when our faith get challenged
That you have a plan to prosper us and not to harm us.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
And you will avenge on our behalf.
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Pray all in Christ Name. Amen.