I Peter 5: 12
My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
Peter is writing to these Christians in Turkey who are experiencing persecution. He is telling them that when we are subjected to unjust persecution for doing what is right, that is part of God's goodness that we don't deserve, His grace.
We may perceive these troubles as not a good thing, but we need to remember that God is good, and everything He does is good. So we need to change our perspective: everything He allows to touch us is good, in that He will bring a great good from it.
When we are put to undeserved persecution, and take it patiently, we are building a return in Heaven that will never diminish. When we realize this, then we will be glad, and rejoice that God counted us worthy to suffer for His Name.
O my Father, I pray that when that day comes for me that I will face persecution for being a Christian, that I will endure it patiently, not striking back or defending myself, but only lifting up Your Name and Your Truth.
Thank You, my dear, dear Father, for carefully preparing me now for what You know is ahead of me. Keep me close, Dad, I desperately need You.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
