In Case of Emergency – Stay The Course - Thursday
Today’s Verse
1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. (ESV)
When my kids were little, one of their favorite things was the dress-up box at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. It provided countless hours of entertainment and allowed their imaginations to run wild. They could be a chef, a ballet dancer, a police officer, a teacher, or even a grandma for the afternoon.
Although they may have had a new appearance, the reality is that their identities never changed because they weren’t defined by the costumes in the dress-up box. External clothes and circumstances don’t change who they are or whose they are, just like playing dress up. Who we are is always defined by God.
Your identity is grounded in who God says you are and what He has called you to. That means even though you likely have strong opinions about this very divided and political world we live in, this week's election hasn’t changed who you are or the mission of the Church—no matter who the President is.
There is a difference between being disappointed (or even concerned) and allowing circumstances to define you and affect your actions. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow—and so is His love for you. Right now, we have an opportunity as believers the reflect the love of God, instead of gloating in victory or withdrawing in defeat.
We are reminded to rejoice in our sufferings when we are suffering because of Christ. We may be called names, insulted, or misrepresented because we are trying to walk in our true identity in Christ; the Bible reminds us that this is to be expected.
If you have never experienced hardships or conflict because of your faith, are you really living out a faith that the world opposes? 1 Peter 1:6-7 reminds us that a faith tested by trials is of more value than gold!
REFLECTION
Are you living in your true identity in Christ instead of trying to be unified with the world? If you have never made the decision to follow Christ and would like to talk to one of our staff members, you can reach us here!