Refreshed by GodSample

FAITH IN THE FIRE

"When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee." Matthew 4:12

There are days of mistreatment that come from disloyal and jealous people. Sometimes good people experience bad consequences so the glory of God can be made known through their lives. John boldly took a public stand for his faith and was punished for his courageous obedience to God. Do you feel like you have been wronged for doing right? Has your faith been put on trial, and were you convicted for speaking the truth? Your circumstance of ill treatment may not result in a physical rescue from Christ. It is in your trapped condition that He wants your intimacy with Him to grow deeper and sweeter.

When people see Jesus in your humble, non-defensive attitude, they hear His voice of truth. Learn your lessons from the Lord during stressful situations and leave it with Him to educate others in what needs to be done. Perseverance pays with respect and results. Cling to your core values as your compass for behavior. Your optimism is an insurgent against others’ insecurities. Let the Lord be your source of strength. Faith forged on the anvil of adversity becomes solid steel in mental toughness, emotional stability, and spiritual maturity.

Heavenly Father, use the unjust treatment I have received to bring redemption to those who need Your love and forgiveness. Help me to be consumed with trusting Christ and not with my unjust treatment. And by Your grace, Lord, lead me to truly love the unlovely and rest in Your love.