Happiness in Persecution

0:00Welcome to His Light, Your Path. Today Pastor Rod Hall of Senior brings us a devotional titled Happiness in Persecution. Have you ever wondered if it's really possible to find joy in the middle of hardship? In this devotional, Pastor Hall will help us see what it means to be truly happy even when life brings us trials. 1 Peter 3 verses 12 through 15. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is He that will harm you? If ye be followers of that which is good. But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye. And be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. And be ready always to give an answer to every man

1:01that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. The context of our verses is that Peter is writing this letter to encourage these suffering believers. They were scattered from their homeland, and they settled in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. There, they found more problems, hence they needed these words of Peter. Peter admonished these believers to live righteous lives in their new home. They need to let their spiritual light shine, and therein they can expect persecution, which leads to happiness. They are not to be afraid nor troubled. To that end, Peter gave them some things that they are to do in place of fear and worry.

2:01They are to sanctify or set apart God in their thinking. They are to be ever ready to answer when people notice that they are happy in persecution, consider again chapter 3 verses 14 and 15 of 1 Peter, but and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you, and be not afraid of their terror. Neither be troubled. Rather sanctify the Lord in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. If they truly sanctify God in their thinking, then they will truly be happy and others will notice. But why they are so happy is not so obvious. Therefore, they will be questioned about the reason for their happiness.

3:01They will see the persecution and the happiness, and they will be curious how that can be. We can be sources of joy even today. This world has many problems. People are looking for hope. Believers are to be reacting differently to life's problems than those who know not Christ. Finding joy in hardships is a great opportunity to let the world know that there is true hope. Rather than complain about problems, rejoice in the Lord and let your light shine. Christians do have a living hope. There is no need for fear and doubt. If God can save our souls for all eternity, then surely He can see us through this world. This is no game. Is God on the throne?

4:02Does He care for people? Does He protect and guide His children? Do all things work together for good to those who love the Lord? Therefore, 1 Peter 3, 12 and 13, for the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is He that will harm you? If ye be followers of that which is good. Is that true or is it not? If it is true, then embrace it, rejoice in the Lord, and let your light so shine for all to see. Let others know that you have peace and happiness in this perilous world. Tell them of Jesus who is mighty to save. Thank you for joining us for Pastor Holler's devotional happiness in persecution. Today, we saw how relying on God can give us joy amidst our trials.

5:04The early Christians, Peter, wrote to, were scattered and suffering, yet He encouraged them. Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. Are we letting our light shine by rejoicing rather than complaining, even in difficult times? We hope today's devotional brought you encouragement. Be sure to join us again tomorrow for another devotional from Pastor Holler here on his light, your path.