SOAP Devotional 2014-04-28
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? (1 Peter 4:16, 17 NLT)
Observation:
There is nothing to be ashamed of if you are treated badly for being a Christian. It is a privilege to be called by his name even if they mean it in a bad way. Now the time has come for the trials that will prove real character and faith of individuals and it begins with the house of God so others will see what we are truly made of. If these trials are difficult for us who have our faith to uphold us, imagine how horrible it will be for those who have never truly made Jesus the Lord and Master of their lives.
Application:
These trials that allow others to judge us as true believers not only prove our true faith, but they provide a witness for those who do not know Jesus as Lord. There are those who profess to be Christians, but have never obeyed him which means he has never been their Lord. Trials have a disastrous effect on them. We will go through trials and so we need to be sure that we are in the middle of his will when they happen. He will sustain us there.
Prayer:
Father, I am thankful that you are the Lord of my life. I am thankful that you have been guiding me and that you are empowering me to follow your lead. Without you beside me, I cannot imagine what it would have been like when my dad died. It is the worst thing that I have ever endured and am still dealing with every day. But you sustain me. You comfort me. I cannot imagine going through this without you.