Devotion for Sunday, September 18, 2022

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Our contemporary culture has bought into the lie that if the Lord loves you, all will be well: that, or there is no God and we’re prosperous anyway.  So we send happy thoughts to one another in a grand illusion.  Christ suffered in this world of sin because sinful people hate righteousness.  If you follow Christ, you will suffer for His Name’s sake.  You then become an example of the suffering that happens because of sin.

Lord, let me not fall into the trap of thinking that all will be well if all goes well, You have said that I would be blessed if I was persecuted for Your name’s sake.  When I suffer in this way, I begin to sip of the sea you drank for me.  Lead me, O Lord, in the right way of living such that even if I do suffer, it is because of You and the Good News of the Gospel.  Help me to persevere.

Lord Jesus, for all of our sakes, You suffered death on the cross.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of life, teaching me to stand fast knowing that there are those who will hate me because of You.  Through thick and thin, grant me the fortitude to forever hold fast to the truth You have revealed once for all.  In Your goodness, lead me according to the Father’s will to lead a life that follows You no matter what.  Amen.