Subject: Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional From FaithWriters for Friend

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Thousands of Writers Inspired by Rev 7:9-12

YOUR ADVERSITY IS A MARK OF CHRIST 

By Isaac Mwangi

Galatians 6:17 (TNIV)—From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.


Paul had wounds inflicted by his enemies in an attempt to stop him from preaching the gospel. Christ suffered, too, and called on every disciple to pick up their cross and follow Him.

It is common to hear people being exhorted to accept the gospel and experience miracles—and by this is meant material prosperity. All your troubles, you are told, will fly away if you simply join our denomination. Or plant a seed. Or do any of a thousand deceptions.

But the cross is about suffering and death, not personal glorification. Elijah fled into the wilderness to hide from Jezebel. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit and into prison. John the Baptist was forced to feed on insects and later beheaded. And Stephen was stoned to death. We do not follow Christ for material riches, although He is able to give us wealth as well. As surely as night follows day, an uncompromising faith will attract severe demonic persecution. When you lose your job for reasons you cannot understand, or are in danger of losing your only house, or find that even your very life is at stake, take heart and know that this is the cost of discipleship. You are following in the footsteps of a long chain of Christians who have taken the narrow road and entered through the small gate. Rejoice and be glad.

Today’s writer is a Kenyan journalist and author of Poisoned Well of Tradition. Contact


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