Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 44:1-8
Ps 44:1-8
We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Selah
Acts 7:59-8:3
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Bad things happen to good people. Abel was killed because his sacrifice was more pleasing than his brother’s, so out of jealousy he was murdered. Job suffered his afflictions BECAUSE he was good. The early church faced horrendous persecution for years because people hated the Christians without cause.
How do we explain this? Why does it happen? We hear all the time that if we put our trust in God and serve him, he will take care of us and he will protect us. But Stephen was stoned. Many others were beaten, and some put in prison. It does not make sense to us, but Jesus said it would happen. He told his disciples that the world hated him and therefore, they would be hated too. Paul said that all who are faithful will be persecuted. But faith is the evidence of things which we cannot see or explain, but we know to be true. It is the substance of hope.
O Lord, increase my faith. Help me focus on eternal life and not this world. I know that my life is not about here and now, but you are preparing me for a much better home without all the pain, sickness, suffering, and sin. As I trust you more, help me be more diligent to obey you in every way. I want to open my heart so your Spirit can make his fruit grow in me and help me become more like Jesus. Fill me with your love and compassion for others. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Robert
