For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2: 19-20)
There are many events we cannot understand in this world. One of them is that a person goes through hardships in spite of his good deeds. He approaches them with a good intention and carries out beautiful affection toward them, but there are persecutors of him. Of course, people’s a little rights and interests intervene in it, but mostly due to a direct intervention of the devil.
Think about the missionary work of Paul in Philippi. It was a good deed that he cures a disease of a girl demoniac, because it made her free. However, her master who gathered wealth by using her entrapped Paul and even threw him into prison. Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God in there, and experience a surprising event; all the doors were opened and every one’s bands were loosed. Their suffering for a moment was so glorious thing.
On the other side, we can meet many events be punished from God by a ignominy; Miriam who became leprous because he set up against Moses, Aaron’s two sons who died due to using of other fire in religious service, Ananias and Sapphira who attempt deceive the Holy Spirit, etc. There is no one who thinks their death was glorious, and people hope to not do like them.
The Lord wants for Christian to don’t be shy or fear about their hardships, because he will compensate them for all they undergo. The compensation can be given to us in this world, and will be added in the future.
Joshua went across the Jordan blocked. It isn’t true that they had no sooner determine than the river is opened. The Jordan is still blocking their way. However, when their step went toward the river, the river was divided. Now, our attitude in the world becomes clear. We must walk the way of faith having a daring looks according to the word of the truth. Sometimes adversities and persecutions come up to us, but it will make us glorious. If one can step up to the Lord having these attitudes, he is living at a position acceptable with God. Now, where is our position?
