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JOYFUL SUFFERING

“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for THE NAME,” Acts 5:41 (ESV). Rejoicing!? They had just been jailed, almost put to death, severely beaten, commanded to stop preaching the Gospel and finally released. Then they rejoiced for being worthy to suffer! You cannot fake this level of dedication and faith. No one likes to suffer, but it seemed small compared to what they knew. They had left everything and walked with Jesus. They heard His teaching, saw the miracles. His arrest, His beatings, crucifixion, entombment and resurrection. He ascended into heaven as they watched! Their present circumstance of persecution could not rise high enough to overwhelm their joyful call to serve their Redeemer! LORD, awaken in me faith that rejoices no matter the circumstances I suffer for Your Glory.

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