JANUARY 30, 1 Peter 5:10

How many of you like to face difficulties? How many of you look forward to problems? If you are like the majority of people, you will not say “yes” to these two questions.

A prayer common among believers is for God to remove sufferings from them but the Apostle saw great virtue in enduring needful sufferings for “a while” so that God will “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” An easy life will not make a Christian strong and Christ- like. Through suffering, endured with God’s grace, a Christian grows and matures. He will then be more complete in his faith, and will grow in love, understanding, wisdom and patience.

No one really knows the strength of his faith until it is tried and tested. Some cannot take the trials and fall away, but if trials are accepted as from a loving Father and endured, then out of them come precious blessings that an easy life will never bring.

“ The hardy sailor hails from the stormy seas”. Do you know what this means?

What are the types of storms you face? Perhaps family problems where mum and dad are constantly quarrelling? Or maybe dad is in danger of losing his job and has become sad and quiet. Or maybe you think mum loves your brother or sister more than she loves you.

Dear child, if any of these is happening to you, do not be sad. The Lord knows the situation you are in and is always ready to listen to you as you pray.

Thought: With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, comfort me with Thy love especially when life is hard. I want to commit myself into Your hands and ask that You will prepare me for the difficult times which may come my way. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.