1 Peter 2:20

"For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."
1 Peter 2:20


Scriptures are so fascinating, don't you think?  This one is great... telling us that God doesn't expect us to be typical, but extraordinary.  Sometimes when we are doing fantastically in our lives, Satan turns up the heat, and things get a lot harder.  Sometimes we have the energy to just take one step towards God, and Satan tries to sabotage us.  It is at those times when we exercise courage.  Courage is not to suffer for our mistakes.  It's something that everyone has to do, and God is not trying to create martyrs, but Gods.  Not, of course, that we should give up on patience in other circumstances.  Patience is always needed when a police officer pulls you over for a well-deserved speeding ticket. :)  However, patience is needed even more when we are wrongfully accused, or persecuted for being truthful and just.  It is easy to become resentful and bitter when we pass through trials that we don't think are "deserved."  But, remember... life is a test.  Some parts of the test are harder than others, but we are learning incredible things.  So, today... be patient.  Sometimes we will suffer for well-doing.  Just smile, and keep doing well.  Christ suffered more than we ever will... and he never did anything to deserve it.