For His Sake

Lord you told us clearly that living to honor you and spreading the Good News of the Gospel will result in hostility and suffering. In fact you said about the Apostle Paul in: "Acts 9:15-16 (ESV)  "But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

It is also for us Lord to follow in the steps of Believers who throughout history have suffered in your name and for your glory. You have told us: "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV) 

Thank you Lord for both the grace to believe and the privilege to suffer for your sake. "29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, Philippians 1:29 (ESV) 

Thank you Lord for the cross you bore for our sin and thank you for our cross of suffering that we can bare for your glory. Lord may we follow your example : "21 .... Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21 & 23 (ESV) . 

Amen!

---

Please visit The Prayer List and pray with us.