1 Peter 5:8-9 Amplified Bible (AMP) 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[a]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([b]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. Good Morning, As you look around today take a moment and consider those who pass you by. Observe the way each carry themselves, whether they wear a smile or a frown, whether their eyes are bright or dull, whether they are a light or darkness. We are all going through something, each of us have struggles or “suffering” and in our weakest moments we can either fall into a pit of despair or find strength and persevere. “Suffering” or weakness has many forms and through perspective we gain wisdom and knowledge or bitterness and defeat. The Apostle Peter knew all about “suffering.” He was badly beaten, thrown in jail and often threatened but due to his faith and the simple fact that he KNEW Jesus, nothing could kick him off his path. Yes his body received the beatings but he remained trusting and faith-filled. It was due to his perspective and how he chose to handle each situation that he faced. The term “Perspective” means the state of one’s ideas; the facts known to one. (dictionary ) When you know something you just KNOW it. You don’t have to argue about it or debate it, you just know it. Peter KNEW Jesus personally and intimately and you can to. It is making a conscious decision to get to know Him. It takes dedication and a heartfelt desire to get to know Jesus just as it takes dedication and commitment to form a relationship or bond with a friend or spouse. We decide to be faithful to our relationships. So today I encourage you to face your “suffering” and put it in the right perspective, rise above it, look at it with a different set of eyes and stand tall. As a follower of Jesus and a believer in the One True God, we are called to resist the temptation to lash out in anger because we are being criticized or put down. Our faith allows us to do that, in fact our faith TELLS us to do that. No it is not a skill each of us wake up to each morning but it is a skill that we can learn over time if we dedicate our mind to Jesus. In doing that our “perspective” changes and our “suffering” becomes strength rather than weakness. For it is in the weakest moments of our lives that we learn the greatest lessons. Be observant today, be alert today and in the face of suffering or weakness, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and change your perspective. Have a blessed day. Love, Jerri
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 09:46:38 +0000
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