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16th August 2024
FridayReflection
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Courage For Life
founded by Ann White
Navigating Life's Difficulties with Faith in Jesus
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Life is full of difficulties.
But how can you navigate life's difficulties with faith in Jesus?
The apostle Peter wrote to encourage followers of Jesus to live their faith daily and to focus on the blessings of being in a relationship with God through faith in Jesus.
Therefore, Peter exhorts them to stand firm in the knowledge that God has blessed them with
"a priceless inheritance - an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay"
.... 1 Peter 1:4
The specifics of their difficulties could have been social, cultural, financial, religious, familial, or a combination.
Still, Peter encourages them to think about what God has done on their behalf to bring them into the family of God, not the difficult life circumstances that existed after they placed their faith in Jesus.
The end of the world is coming soon.
Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
Use them well to serve one another.
Do you have the gift of speaking?
Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.
Do you have the gift of helping others?
Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.
Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus.
What are possible responses to life difficulties?
Having earnest and disciplined prayers in the face of difficulties keeps you focused on the love of God you have received and, in turn, can help you overflow with God's love toward others.
Peter is teaching a genuine and sincere hospitality toward those in the family of God who have faith in Jesus but are experiencing difficulties.
This passage encourages followers of Jesus to discern endowment of spiritual gifts to be used in your daily living to express your faith in Jesus, despite life's difficulties.
You may need to pause a moment and let this teaching sink in...
When facing difficulties and trials, God expects His followers to serve others through the 'spiritual' gifts that He has given them.
You should not be surprised because life is full of difficulties.
Finally, remember always, that you are God's child through your faith in Jesus and God is with you and you will exit your current life difficulties in time if you endure in God's presence and power.
According to 1 Peter 4:7-13, you should ...
● Be earnest and disciplined in your prayers to maintain a stable mind, exhibit good judgment, and remain calm in the face of difficulties.
● Keep fervent in your love for others.
● Demonstrate a genuine and sincere hospitality toward those experiencing difficulties because everyone is facing something.
● Use your spiritual gifts to serve others to show your faith in Jesus and bring God glory.
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This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
Courage For Life
has been on a mission to empower individuals, since its founding in 2014, with God's Word and help them live a life of courage.
The ministry was founded by Ann White, who was inspired by her own spiritual journey with God and how His Word brought restoration to her life and marriage.
Ann's story is featured in her book entitled Courage For Life.
Contact the Rector
The Revd.
Nic.Edwards
The Rectory,
Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE,
Northampton,
NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 - 815496
(Can be accessed from the mobile device)
Mobile: .....
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Contact the Benefice Office
Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 830373
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Mon., Tues., Wed,, Thur., Fri.
9:00am to 11:30am
For Baptism bookings (Christenings)
to arrange an appointment please contact
the Benefice Office.
For Wedding bookings:
please contact the Benefice Office to arrange
an appointment.
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