ICS Daily Devotions
Let Us Exult in Our Sufferings
Romans 5:3-4(AMP) And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].
The Apostle Paul talks about suffering for the sake of righteousness as a Christian. There is bound to be persecution for living a life that’s different from that of the world. We are called to be the salt and light of the world and our presence can shine a light into the darkness to reveal what is evil, sinful and bad. We are blessed if we suffer, or are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. However, when the Apostle Paul spoke about suffering in the passage above, it also includes distress, pressure and trouble that can come upon us.
Even when we are living out a consecrated and sanctified life, we may still be faced with challenges. But when we know God, the knowledge of His love and His covenantal relationship with us will help us withstand the pressures of life and stay resilient.
Pressure can also arise from adversity and tribulation due to wrong decisions that we make in the flesh without consulting God. In such situations, we need to humble ourselves, seek His forgiveness and ask Him to direct our steps, allowing Him to walk us out of our crisis. We also need God’s wisdom in discerning between situations which we can change and those which we cannot.
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4:19(NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
If we are facing financial difficulties or cash flow problems and feel as though we are constantly being beaten down, then we need to take time to meditate on what it means to know God, His love and the peace that we have with Him. These are important foundations that can help us stay resilient when confronted with bad news or stress.
One must not anxiously try to recover every penny lost in an investment, like a gambler who shows his hand, betting away all his money in a last-ditch attempt to recoup losses. If we see ourselves being driven by similar desperation, it may be that we are being led by covetousness and we will not be able to think rationally or clearly through our situation. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10, NKJV), it is destructive and will cause us to stumble and fall and possibly affect our recovery. On the contrary, godliness with contentment is great gain and will prevent us from making irrational and foolish decisions that hinder resilience in the midst of financial difficulties.
Sermon Series: Resilience (Part 4)
