As a Christian there will be times when life gets tough. There will be times when life is tough through no fault of your own. When that happens you have a choice. You can either: 1) Fight back, attacking the source of injustice, or 2) Follow what is outlined in 1 Peter 2:19
This is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 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.
Be Mindful Of God. This means to remember who is in control. Who is with you in life. Who is working out His purposes in you. Who is working to conform you to the image of Christ. Who is using you to glorify His name. Who has promised never to leave nor forsake you. Who is laying up treasures for you in heaven. Who you can trust regardless of your own understanding. This is best done by reading and meditating upon Scripture.
Endure. It is by being mindful of God that you can endure. To endure means not to quit. Not to give up. To keep following Christ. To on honor Him. To do what is right. To continue to love… be merciful… turn the other cheek… and forgive.
The result is that it makes God smile (“This is a gracious thing in the sight of God”). Imagine… by your conduct God is pleased. That is a good thing.
Whatever you are going through, for God’s glory… patiently endure it. God is watching so give Him reason to smile.
Thanks Bro. Ron for that reminder of our model as Christians in the world today. There seems to be so much negativity being promoted by what seem to be faith based followers of Jesus Christ. They wake in the morning and start passing on a message of gloom and defeat. We as Christians are victorious. Let not us be messengers of the world, but messengers of The Gospel. Rejoice, I say rejoice…