PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jul
25
25
Blindsided
John Tilton
Scripture
1 Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Observation
Peter reminds us of the things that will often blindside us in life as the enemy attempts to rob, steal and destroy who we are, our principles, what we do, our relationships and our heart; all so often subtle. Peter furthermore is correct in that we often don’t realize that we are being attacked and tested as we experience these challenges in daily life. For it is through Christ that we grow, become stronger and see God’s ways through challenge and the attacks of the enemy. Thus, we can indeed rejoice in our sufferings for God is at work within us.
Application
Recently on our mission trip that we just returned from, we encountered many unexpected attacks by the enemy in terms of health issues, unexpected occurrences that could have affected our mission and “people” issues which are expected. Initially, we were a little oblivious to the fact that the enemy was at work against us to effect or negatively impact the mission. Yet, we persevered and the mission was a total success with some great life, character and spiritual lessons. We indeed needed to place our focus, guidance and support on the Lord, which enabled us to see what the situation and battle was, and therefore persevere and rejoice that the Lord Jesus Christ had His hand upon the situations. Victory, victory, victory!
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am so thankful for you and how you turn what can be meant for evil into blessings. Thank you for the joy that we can claim and hold unto in times of challenge.
