“I know that You can do all things and that no purposes of Yours can be thwarted.”

— Job 42:2

but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice

— Acts 5:39

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

— John 15:18-19

3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

— 1 Peter 4:3-4

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him

7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

— Colossians 2:6-7

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God’s purposes remain constantly at work at every point in history. Though the Bible reveals that God promises even more painful events before Christ returns, we can trust that God is working when chaos seems to triumph. God is always doing more than we can perceive. His purposes cannot be derailed by the strongest opposition this world contrives. While we would prefer an obstacle-free path, He often takes us through tough times to solidify our grip on His unswerving faithfulness.

God calls us believers to live with eternity in view. We live in a rebellious and murky world that masterfully rejects or ignores Christ. God calls to Himself a people who wholeheartedly accept what the world predominantly rejects. God’s words and His Spirit helps us stand on God’s truth while surrounded by a world that falsely promotes “a better way”. Let’s anchor in Christ to stand for Him and live out of step with the world and those who uphold worthless things as their anchor for life. Faith in God is not idealistic optimism but realistic trust in God’s declared truth for us.