Week 1 | Day 1 | Fear Not

Command:

I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NCV)

Read:

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

Reflect:

The early Christians faced persecution for their belief in Jesus. The Christian disciples faced harsh resistance and anger from the people they were trying to reach. Why did they continue to preach with the threat of violence? The answer is faith, trust, and hope in a living God.  

In Romans 8:38-39, Paul wrote… “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul started his life as a persecutor of the Christian faith, but he experienced a conversion that changed his view of Christianity forever. He became one of the most prominent teachers and evangelists for Christianity. Paul wrote multiple books in the New Testament, describing the many ways he was tortured for his beliefs. His new found faith in a loving God, helped him persevere. 

There are some parts of the world today, where people still face persecution for their faith in Jesus. As a Christian, I want to remember those that went before me and those that are still suffering today. Their courage and belief in an everlasting life with God is a testimony for the world. Thanks to their willingness to face physical and emotional hardships, to share the love of God, I have a personal relationship with Jesus. 

React:

We will all face some type of persecution at some time in our lives. How will you handle it? Lean on the Word of God and remember his promise to be our stronghold, light, and salvation. This strength is available to all who trust in the Lord. 

Pray:

Loving, strong, faithful Father. I pray that you would fill my heart with your love and strength in the face of hardships. I know that you are the light that chases away the darkness. Help me claim those promises when I am weak. I want to feel your presence as I walk through my days.