Spirit-Living Devotional
Apostle Osborn
THE BLESSED SUFFERING
[[Act 5:41]] KJV And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
The apostles of old had such a wonderful mindset towards the ministry. When they were persecuted and punished for preaching the gospel, our opening text says, “They departed…rejoicing…” Glory to God! The persecution couldn’t break them. They found joy in suffering for the sake of the gospel. They counted themselves worthy to suffer shame for the name of the Lord. Hallelujah!
Note the word, ‘counted worthy.’ This means that they saw suffering as a privilege. They counted themselves worthy to suffer for Jesus. Glory! Our attitude and approach towards the ministry must be same. As we set out to take a stand for the Master, things will come up against us. We shall suffer certain things and be persecuted. But we must “Count it all joy…” *(James 1:2). Being persecuted and hated by others because of Jesus is a sign of godliness. 2 Timothy 3:12 reminds us; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Like the Apostles of old, we must see suffering for Jesus as a privilege. When you are persecuted in one way of the others because of the gospel, consider yourself blessed: some sought for such with many tears. Don’t be afraid to boldly take a stand among your colleagues for Jesus.
And when men revile you, remember the words of the Master; “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” *(Mat 5:11,12). Hallelujah! Rewards await you in glory!
Prayer:
Dear God, I thank you today for the privilege and the opportunity to take a stand for you and suffer for the gospel. I embrace it with great joy and receive the grace to endure all things for your name sake, in Jesus’ name. Glory!
