Above Only Daily Devotional http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly Tuesday, APRIL 10 Learn from Christ's Ordeal Hebrews 12:3 (KJV & GNB & NIV)

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Tuesday, APRIL 10

Learn from Christ's Ordeal

Hebrews 12:3 (KJV & GNB & NIV)
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. *Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. * Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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One major thing that will affect your ability to continue running the race that God has set before you is the manner in which you respond to and handle negative treatment meted at you. Jesus Himself reveals a perfect example of how to respond to negativity. In our text above, God admonishes us to reflect on Jesus' experience so that we can generate the strength to endure our own tough times. Of course, we know that Jesus was prepared for what He was going to face (Luke 9:22), but still, it must have been terrifying for Him to see the very same people He loved and came to save, rejecting, maltreating and brutalizing Him, simply because He chose to please God and do His will.

1Peter 2:20 (GNB) says, “for what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it. It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps.” You too will be rejected and persecuted for doing the right thing and pleasing God. Sometimes, the retaliation will come from people you do not expect, much like in the same way it happened to Joseph. In such times,look unto Jesus with the realisation that He understands exactly what you are going through. Receive from Him the same grace by which He endured and overcame, Heb.4:15-16. Do not be overwhelmed. Make up your mind not to allow the circumstances to shake your faith, break your connection with God or blur your vision so as to cause you to weaken your diligence and commitment. Keep running the race set before you.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I receive Your grace to remain strong and focused on You no matter how I am treated, just as Jesus did.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: 1 SAM 15-16; LUKE 10:25-42

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