Suffering Persecution

Suffering Persecution

1 Peter 4:12-16

Raul picked up his lunch tray and headed for a table of talking, laughing boys. But before he could sit down, one of the boys plopped his jacket onto the empty chair. “Sorry,” he said with a sneer. “This seat is taken.” Then as Raul turned to leave, he heard someone say, “We don’t want that Christian to sit here!” The way he said “Christian” made it sound like something bad.

In math later that day, Mrs. Braun announced, “The winning team in the local math competition next week gets a trophy and goes to the state contest next month. The students who will represent our school are Amy, Shanna, Ty, and Raul.”

“Lucky bums,” growled one of the students.

“Luck had nothing to do with it,” said Mrs. Braun. “Hard work did. These students have put out the necessary effort to get ready for the competition. I know I can count on them to do their best.”

Back home, Raul told his mom about being chosen for the contest. Then he told her what had happened at lunchtime. “Sometimes I wish I could be like the other kids so they wouldn’t make fun of me,” he confessed.

His mother frowned slightly. “Think about what Mrs. Braun said,” she suggested. “The reward comes to those who can hold up even when the going gets tough. Tell me, have you always felt like studying your math?” Raul shook his head. “But you studied anyway,” Mom pointed out. “You earned the privilege of entering that contest. And just as you wouldn’t want to exchange math grades with other boys in your class, I don’t think you really would want to be like them in other ways. I know it seems hard when they reject you, but the reward for serving the Lord is much greater than the reward for studying math. Don’t let them get to you. Keep doing what God wants you to do.” SLS

How about You?

Do you sometimes get the feeling that living like a Christian is too hard? Do you wish you could do what everyone else does so no one will make fun of you? God has promised that he will not allow you to be tempted more than you can handle. Ask him to give you strength to be faithful to him.

Memorize:

“God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Be Strong in Christ