Joni And Friends 27th February 2024 Devotional Message
Joni and Friends 27th February 2024 Devotional Tuesday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Did You Know What You Were Getting Into?
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” – 1 Peter 4:12
When you first became a Christian, did you realize what you were getting into? Did you read the fine print in the contract? God plainly spelled it out: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34); “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Phil. 1:29).
God made it clear that following him would mean real hardship. Life is supposed to be difficult. More than that, it has been granted to us to suffer. Granted? Like a gift or a privilege? And what does “for him” mean? Problems are built into the Christian life for a privileged purpose. If we’re to follow Jesus, we have to follow him to Calvary. That’s something God wants us to understand the moment we come to Christ. God also wants us to realize it’s a privilege to follow his Son this way. To follow Christ to the cross is to suffer for him.
When I first came to Christ, I sort of knew it meant suffering, but I had no idea it would involve paralysis. I was surprised at the painful trial at first, thinking something strange had happened to me. But now I praise God for this wheelchair. It has taken me down Calvary’s path. It’s the path to deep-down joy and peace.
Did you know what you were getting into when you became a believer? The question isn’t all that important now that you’ve signed up. What’s important is that you not be surprised at the fiery trial—it comes so that through it you might take up your cross and follow Jesus. It comes so you might find your life after you lose it. Fine print or no, it’s the deal.
Lord Jesus, help me to remember that following you means taking up my cross. Keep me pliable rather than resistant when fiery trials greet me.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY
