Would You Pray for ______?

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1 Peter 4:14

Ever been chided, ridiculed, shunned, gossiped about, even bullied for living a godly life, reading your Bible, saying a blessing over meals, doing your best for your employer, or avoiding events and situations that are against your beliefs?

Not to fear, God’s Word is full of reassurances, promises, blessings, and encouragements when this occurs.

As a child, teenager, and adult, I experienced this numerous times. In hindsight being called names, ridiculed, and on one occasion, as a child, even bullied physically, only made me stronger and more dependent on Jesus for my defense. I am more aware my words and actions need to match Christian principles. To my regret, they do not always match, but I am a work in-progress.

When we say we are Christians, people watch to see how we live out our faith. Are we different than the rest of the world?  Does a relationship with Jesus Christ really make a difference?

1 Peter 2:15 says, For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

In 1 Peter 3:14,15 we learn, But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

A great joy floods my heart when a person who has ridiculed me for my faith in Jesus, power of prayer, or believing the Bible is Truth comes asking me to pray for them. That is a blessing straight from heaven to me.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

Don’t be weary, don’t be deterred, don’t be frightened, keep on believing, keep on living a godly life, keep on praying, keep on reading the Bible, keep on speaking truth, keep on loving, and keep on doing good. Heaven is keeping records, God is watching, and others are watching, too.

Claudia Jackson