Rejoicing in the Face of Trials – Beloved Women – February 14, 2020
READ: “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” (Acts 5:41-42 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: I don’t know about you, but “rejoicing” is not how I would describe my immediate response to any kind of suffering.
Yet, picture this. The apostles were preaching the gospel. Arrested. Freed by an angel. Preached again. Detained again. Preached while detained. Chastised and beaten. And, their immediate response? To rejoice, and preach even more.
Why? Because of the Name.
There was something surreal about having walked with the Lord, seen His miracles, heard His sermons, His crucifixion… resurrection… ascension, and then to come to the realization that He did it all because of His love for His Father and them – for us, for you.
To grasp that the all-powerful, holy Son of God stooped down to their level to be touchable, relatable, authentic, and vulnerable while maintaining all of His Deity – would be overwhelming.
To know that this Lord chose them, and entrusted them with the call to share “the words of this Life” with those who had not yet trusted in Him. (Acts 5:20). What a privilege.
Finally, to be considered worthy enough to suffer for the sake of the One who suffered for them, would indeed be an honor. It meant they were doing something right, and of eternal value.
PRAY: Lord, help me to remember the privilege You have given me to be called one of Your daughters. Thank You for saving me. May the truth of that gift compel me to share “the words of the Life” with those who do not know You yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
REFLECT: What truth about Jesus are you excited to share most? Why?
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Kim Gillespie on Instagram @kimgillespie03.
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© 2020 by Kim Gillespie. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
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Originally published Friday, 14 February 2020.
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