A Daily Devotion for Monday, January 16

1 Peter 4:12-13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

In this letter, followers are being warned they may suffer for being Christians. Unfortunately, today it is too easy for us to hide that we are Christians, and show our full faith only when it feels safe to do so. I can only speak for myself, but I know there have been times I kept my faith to myself instead of speaking out. God must certainly be disappointed when this happens. To avoid some petty earthly rejection, do I really keep quiet about God? That is essentially what is happening, even if it is just for a moment, and one brief interaction. I cannot claim to belong to God and at the same time conveniently forget Him.

Holy Lord, you know my heart, and that I could never reject you. I am sorry for the times I may have avoided confrontation or judgement from others by not speaking up about my relationship with you. I feel I have become better about living my true faith, but I know there are times when I fail. Forgive me, I pray. Amen

Becky, transforming