July 23, 2011 (2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38-39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.” 1 Peter 2:20 NASB
Observation: What would you give to find favor with God? We all want God’s favor in our lives, and here we have an example of how we can have it. To suffer for doing wrong is understandable and even expected. But what about when we do what’s right and end up being done wrong. How do we respond to that? Are we willing to pay that price to have God’s favor?
Application: Once again Jesus has provided the perfect example for us to follow. He committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. To hear our enemies laugh at us and rejoice in their apparent victory makes it quite difficult to be patient and endure. Our flesh wants to cry out and fight back, but when we entrust the one who judges righteously, we find favor.
Prayer: Father I’m afraid of what You’re teaching me. I’m afraid I’ll coward in the midst of the battle and fail you. My enemies torture my mind and cause me to worry. I’m afraid my mind will fail to remember You and Your strength when in the midst of suffering. Help me I pray! Fill me with Your Spirit that will completely surrender my will, to Yours. I desire Your favor, I know it’s more valuable than anything I could ever lose. Look upon me and save me. In Jesus name, Amen.