John 15:18-21
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... because they do not know Him who sent Me."
The next step in finding God's will for your life is to humble and submit yourself to God and endure persecution (suffering). Jesus is our example of humility, submission, and suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane He prayed, "not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). During this moment He experienced severe mental anguish that prepared Him for the physical pain and suffering on His way to the cross. As Christians, living a Godly life will invite persecution. In America, this may not be suffering by physical torture as some of our brothers and sisters in Christ experience in other nations but suffering by alienation and the verbal mocking of an ungodly world who's values are immoral. Living a righteous life in Christ will provoke the ungodly when they are faced with the standard of integrity, honor, truth, decency, purity, and morality you live by. What else do they know to do but to react in a hostile way toward the Godly standard you uphold. So do not be discouraged if you are suffering persecution today. You are in God's will! 1 Peter 4:16 & 19 says, "16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name...19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."
Today you are being perfected as a son/daughter of the Most High God. Your life you live now is only preparation for eternity. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time" (1 Peter 5:6). Endure for eternity!
Have a great day! God bless you.
Louis & Elisa Quintana
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