“There will be a day”, Randy said, when the media will not only leave Christianity out of the conversation, but will put down anything that speaks of God’s Truth. Love will be distorted. Mm…are we there yet? In other countries, Christians are not only persecuted but killed for living the Truth. Does that break our hearts? Are we praying for God’s intervention? Have we considered the thought that it could happen in our country?

Peter gives us hope and encouragement for “this day” and time, for through it all, Glory is just around the corner. Christ experienced suffering for Truth. He WAS Truth. We will too, if we don’t give up. However, again, His GLORY is just around the corner of life here. It will, indeed, be worth it all to follow Christ, trying to think and behave like He would…even in this day.

1 Peter 4, The Message
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

14-16 If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

17-19 It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!

If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad?

So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.

Dear Heavenly Father, You bring us to an alert position this morning, realizing that worldview is trampling our faith with lies about You and Your Word, dismissing Truth as “unfair”. Oh, Lord, you have broken our hearts before for those who live out their faith, despite the threats and eventual murder of their physical bodies. You promise glory for not giving up. We trust You and You alone for Truth. Help me. Help us. Help our nation and other nations turn back to You. In Jesus Name, Amen