We Will

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16 NASB

FORGIVENESS. Make every effort to live out a life marked by grace, mercy, forgiveness. I realize how much I stumble to live this way in situations where I have been (or think I have been ) deeply hurt by the words or actions of another. I’m learning that as a follower of Christ I must relate to others  with the same measure of grace our Heavenly Father has given to me. Grace is undeserved favor. It’s greatest expression came in the gift of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf – something we could never earn or deserve. Holy Spirit thank You for the patience You have for us, thank You for picking us up dusting us off and letting us show that same grace to every person we encounter.

1 Peter 4:12-14 NASB Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

FEARLESS. Every believer will encounter persecution and opposition of some kind as we walk out the call of God. This is nothing new. Christian persecution has been in existence since the beginning of the Church. What we are experiencing in the world presently is a sign to us of the advancing Kingdom of God. None of it is a surprise to God. Jesus expected it for Himself, and He knew we would also face trouble and tribulation in the world; therefore, He made every provision available to us for such times by pouring out His Spirit.  In light of this, we do not ask whether or not suffering and persecution will come. It will.

The question we ask is how we are to respond. Do we fearfully hide in a hovel, bury our heads in the sand or in some way disengage from life? Do we become defensive, plot revenge and live with an us-or-them mind-set? No. This is not the way of the Kingdom of God.  We are in Christ, and Christ, the Prince of Peace, is in us by the gift of Holy Spirit. The peace of Christ enables us to walk in God-given authority to remain standing, immovable and unwavering, rooted and grounded in Jesus, while the world shakes and trembles.

We are able to do this because we know that our eternity is secure, and our identity is sure. God is on our side. The peace of Christ is more powerful than the persecution around us.  As followers of Christ, we are to lay down our lives freely for the sake of the Kingdom. Sin has been forgiven. Death has been conquered. Satan has been thrown down. Holy Spirit is among us. The Kingdom of God is advancing. Jesus has ensured victory, promised eternal life, imparted His peace and issued the call and commission. Can we be anything but fearless, even in the face of suffering and persecution?