Friday, October 19, 2012

Do Not Be Surprised


Persecution can feel terrible no matter what level of persecution it is. The other night, I was bothered in my spirit about a conversation I had with someone. I was sharing my testimony but was treated like I'm just an interesting specimen to place in glass test tube and study. When I woke up the next morning the interaction was one of the first things to pop into my mind so I knew I had to get into the bible and talk to God about it.

Truly, 1 Peter 4:12-19 should have my name attached to it...

"(verse 12) Dear Morning Glory, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you....(verse 14) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you...(verse 19) So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

Jesus says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who are before you." Matthew 5:11&12

I'm probably still too young spiritually to fully understand 'rejoicing in suffering' or 'being joyful in trials.' Someday, I pray, my heart will get there. I'm beginning to realize that when I am trying to love others [enemies or neighbors] I should focus on the fact that God's just happy that I'm sharing my faith and being faithful - this way I can be joyful no matter what their response. :)
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 19, 2012

    I am so sorry. It was not intended that way at all. I really do thoroughly respect you and in no way meant to make you feel that way. I just feel awful to know that I caused that. I, personally, push back a little hard when religion comes up because I have been pushed on so hard to be change in the past. It's a defense mechanism is some ways. I had questions I wanted to ask you though, but my attitude and demeanor were probably completely off. I'm so, so sorry. I'm making an assumption that you are talking about me. Again, I am so sorry.

    Heather

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  2. Morning gloryOctober 19, 2012

    Hi Heather,
    You're so kind and I appreciate what you wrote above. I totally forgive you, girl! I will try to make sure that my words aren't pushy but encouraging. Please continue to ask me questions because I need to grow too. And don't worry, this was a recent situation but it's not like it's not happened before so my hope in writing the post was to encourage Christians to not focus so much on how people respond but on why we are sharing in the first place! (the why being because God is awesome and has changed our lives) *grin*

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