ESOCS Devotional 30 August 2022
TEXT: 1 PETER 1:1-12
MEMORY VERSE: “So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”1 Peter 1:6 TLB
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
While traveling to a city or town from a remote place, you will discover that you are just journeying between two bushes separated by a tarred road; but the road signs and road map keep reminding you of your destination and the joy of reaching your destination eventually will calm make you calm.
Though the road be rough, the bliss of the destination should console you; “and God in His mighty power will make sure you get there safely and receive it because you are trusting him …” (v 5). He is the Shepherd of our soul that leads us to the green pastures. However, the road to the green pastures may not be green; it may look unfruitful, barren, rough and rugged. But putting your trust on the Good Shepherd will bring you to that desired destination.
Life itself is a dreary journey. There are thorns on all sides. But for true Christians, nothing shall hurt them there. Trials and temptations may abound, though. But God is there for them all. The Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken” (Ps. 34:19-20 NKJV).
Paul and the disciples experience much tribulation. But they did not allow it to weigh them down. They did not stop the ministry work. They forged ahead and did exploits in different dimensions. The more they suffered and had terrible experiences, the more they encouraged themselves to remain strong. Paul said, “To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless” (1 Cor. 4:11 NKJV).
However, the consolation of the saints is the counsel Apostle James gives in James 1:2-4: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (NKJV).
- Trusting God has a lot of benefits. The Holy Spirit will lead you through life’s rough journey. Just cling to Him.
- Father, grant me the grace and spirit to remain strong in troubles times.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Joshua 3:7-17; Daniel 5:1-12; Matthew 5:27-37; Hebrews 13:17-25
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 30 August 2022
