“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye; And be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:13-15
Today’s Christian daily devotional
I am not going to lie–loving Christ and trying to serve Him hasn’t always been a walk in the park. After accepting Jesus into my life, it didn’t take long for me to discover great hostility. Many people have strong feelings towards anyone who truly believes in the Bible and actually attempts to walk in the ways of God.
The minute I turned to God for help; most of my ‘friends’ deserted me. Ironically, the most peaceful and soul-fulfilling time in my life was also the loneliest. Being the social butterfly that I am, this was a pretty hard blow to my ego and my need for human connection.
But, I also discovered that God had a plan for that lonely season in my life. He was not only ‘weeding’ out the people who might encourage me to go back to my old ways; He was also ridding me of being co-dependent on others. I realize now that this bad habit could have very well led to a future devastation. During that painful time I learned to truly rely on Him, because God was the only friend that I had.
Thankfully, that season has long since passed. But, through it, I learned how important it is to choose my friends wisely. I also discovered that depending on man is far different from depending on God. In my greatest pain, I found my best friend…God.
Those dark days, taught me how to pray and how to wait on God alone for my comfort. Talking to God was very different from calling my girlfriends. The more I turned to Him, the more I discovered how much He loved me and how willing He was to equip me with actual solutions to my problems.
God wasn’t just a shoulder to cry on. He counseled me, comforted me and taught me that a good friend doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear, but things you need to hear. The truths revealed to me during those lonely years weren’t always the most pleasant things to hear. But God’s revelations on my life and choices catapulted me to a whole new level of spiritual growth and maturity.
Have all your friends deserted you? Good. This quiet time may be the perfect moment where you may actually hear the voice of God because you’re still enough to listen for it.
Allow me to encourage you not to lose heart. God will give you something that you can hold onto for a lifetime—hope and intimacy with Him.
People will come and people will go. But, God has promised to always be with you. Don’t take that for granted.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh, Lord. How do I re-connect with you? It has been so long since I prayed from my heart.
I’m so ashamed to admit it—but, I’m coming to you because I’m hurting and lonely Lord.
Perhaps this lonely season is happening for a reason. Maybe there is something that you have been trying to tell me, but I’ve been too busy to actually pay attention.
I’m so sorry that it took all this to get my attention, Lord. What is it you want me to know?
Show me how to depend on you. I repent for depending on everything and everyone else. I realize that this is not your will.
You said that you would never leave me or forsake me. But, I have shamefully taken this for granted and left you. My heart, mind and soul get distracted so easily. Forgive me, Lord.
In Jesus’ precious name help me to be a friend to you just like you are to me. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 Peter 3:13-15
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan