TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you
belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why
the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. ‘If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One who sent
Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well.
—John 15:18-23 (NIV)
Additional Scripture
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
—Psalm 126 (NIV)
Reflect on the Word
Possessing the land by faith is not about escaping suffering but embracing God’s call to walk in faithfulness in the suffering. Jesus was clear: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first” (John 15:18).
We do not belong to this world. We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth, immigrants of the kingdom, sowers of hope in hard soil.
Suffering faith does not suff er alone. Paul said: “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”
(2 Cor. 11:29). This is a testimony of embodied compassion, aligned with the call of Christ: “Mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15).
This is the law of Christ, fulfi lled when “we carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2).
Psalm 126 speaks of a community united in faith and declares that those who sow with tears will reap with shouts of joy. When we are
oppressed, ignored, broken: Our sowing is not in vain. The One who sees in secret will reward in the open (Matt. 6:6).
Our faith is not measured by the world’s applause, but by our steady obedience to God—even in the dark. Today we sow; tomorrow we will sing the harvest.
Prayer + Contemplation
- Are you currently experiencing suffering in your own life? How have you grown in your ability to suffer well? Ask God where you might need further growth.
- Who do you know that is currently experiencing suffering because of their work of faith? Bring them before the Lord and pray that they would not waver or succumb to the enemy.
- Pray for Christians around the world who are currently
suffering because of their faith. Pray that God would
give them the strength to remain faithful no matter the
circumstances, and that their sufferings would draw others to Christ.
Prayer is for the whole family
Download or purchase the “Family Moments” edition of 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting.
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