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“For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).
Doing the will of God is not always the easiest thing to do, but it is always the right thing to do–the highest thing to do, and the best thing to do. Doing God’s will may bring discomfort, difficulty, persecution, rejection, suffering, or hardship. But God doesn’t want us to stop doing His will. He expects us to hold on to His unchanging hand, even in great sorrow, rejection and persecution. He wants us to forge ahead and do good –regardless of our situation.
Jesus told us that we would suffer because of Him, but be of good courage, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Even though there were those who despised and rejected Him, He never stopped doing the will of His father. He never stopped helping the helpless, loving the unlovely, and doing good to all. He wants us to follow in His footsteps and Love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which spitefully use us, and persecute us;
The apostle Paul is a perfect example of one who has suffered severely for Christ. Yet, he never wavered–he held on to God’s unchanging hand right to the end. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 he testifies about his many sufferings: “. . . I have been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Believers let us keep our eyes on the prize, like the apostle, and do good regardless of our circumstances. God bless you.
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Let's Talk Gospel 
Amen…Amen….and Amen Noel. This message can’t be said enough….if you are in Christ….YOU WILL FACE SUFFERINGS AND PERSECUTION FOR HIS NAMES SAKE…..PERIOD.
What makes Believers think that they should not suffer; this train of thought cripples them because trials, tribulations, suffering and persecutions shakes their confidence. We should rejoice.
Thank you for speaking Truth, Brother Noel….God’s Truth will make us Free!
Minister Glenda
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Thanks Minister Glenda. My aim is to let my light shine like a beacon on top of a hill. I am not perfect but I am working toward perfection in Christ Jesus. I really appreciate you stopping by. God bless you richly.
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Noel
Can you imagine what our Bible would look like if Paul had not done all that he did to pass these vital lessons on to us? My point is all you said is good and true, and we would do good to remember how God uses those who have this kind of loyalty…the greater good outweighs the momentary suffering. Good post thank you for sharing. God Bless.-watw
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I cannot WATW! What is even more amazing about Paul is, He persecuted the Church for many years before God turned him around. And he was just as zealous working for Christ as he was when he persecuted the Church. Thanks for stopping by and adding your usual words of wisdom. God bless.
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Wonderful message for today, God Bless 🙂
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Noel,
On examples of sacrifice – I have been reading the Saint of the Day each day for the past 6 months to my 8 year-old son. There stories are varied and interesting.
I have come to understand that the saints were normal people. Many went through terrible sacrifices that challenged their faith. However, they were identified as saints not because they received special favor from God, but only because they had enough courage to put their faith in God.
http://www.catholic.org/saints/sofd.php
†
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Oh yes! The apostle Paul trusted God more than any other, and he suffered more than any other. His life is a great example for any believer to emulate. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Cinhosa. I pray that God will continue to use you to inspire others with your words of wisdom. God bless.
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Amen!
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Thanks Remso! We serve a great God but we are nothing without Him. Thanks a lot for stopping by and leaving a comment. God bless.
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Great post! I am afraid, though, that before the Lord comes, we could face some of the same hardships and persecutions that Peter faced.
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That is so true Scott. As a matter of fact, it’s happening all over the world. China is the main culprit. Thanks for stopping by. Keep the gospel fire burning. God bless.
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Beautiful, Noel! Very beautiful!
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