“And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” (Philippians 1:28–30, KJV)
We had an expression when I was in the United States Army. We used it in various situations that we knew would be uncomfortable. These were things like maneuvering in torrential rain. In these situations, we would say, “Today we have an exercise in being miserable.” Yet being miserable at times was just part of the territory for the blessing of being able to serve one’s country by entering military service.
As believers, we have so many blessings granted us by God’s grace. However, there are also some hardships. Sometimes we encounter opposition from others. In our country we have not seen severe persecution as many believers have in other times and places. Yet the Scriptures state that if we live a godly life, we will endure some form of persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
It is how we handle the persecution that has an influence on the world around us. Handling difficulties with perseverance is a testimony of one’s faith to others. Paul indicated that the Philippians perseverance amid persecution was a sign to the persecutors of their coming eternal destruction.
How believers persevere in difficulty is also a sign to others as a testimony of their faith. For those outside, they sill see a better way to live. They will see the light of Jesus radiating through the believer who is undergoing hardship by faith and this will bring glory to the Father. Those inside the body of Christ, will be encouraged as they see believers standing firm amid trials.
So, whether we are experiencing a time of peace or one of difficulty, how we handle these situations it important. Believers are to be a display of God’s grace in every situation. God grants us sufficient grace to handle the ups and downs of life. So, in every way others see Christ in us.
Renewing the Heart 