Worthy to Suffer

Scripture:

Acts 5:41 "The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus."

Observation:

The apostles had just been flogged for preaching and were told not to speak any more about him publicly.  They considered themselves blessed that God allowed them to be worthy to suffer on Christ's behalf. 

Application:

May God show us what is really important in life and may we value the right things.  Our normal reaction when persecuted in any way, is to feel sorry for ourselves.  The disciples didn't feel sorry for themselves, but rather, felt honored to be able to suffer for Christ.  This is a whole new perspective.  May God teach us to see things the way they saw them.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to see what You see and to celebrate what You celebrate.  I want to know you in the fellowship of Your suffering and in the power of Your resurrection.  Help me to have the right perspective when things don't appear to go the right way or the way I think it needs to go. 

Yours,
Jeff