Articles
Faith for the Outcome
BIBLE THOUGHT: “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God” (1 Peter 2:20b).
Think of all the harsh things Jesus’ enemies said about Him. Obviously, He was not the gluttonous drunkard, the Sabbath-breaking sinner, or the deceiving blasphemer that His critics made Him out to be.
Perhaps the “unkindest cut of all” was the slander that He was in league with Satan in casting out demons. Jesus calmly explained that if that were true, Satan would be working against himself. That doesn’t even make sense. Jesus knows how we feel when unjustly accused. Addressing Christian slaves with harsh masters, Peter wrote, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps . . . . When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. . .” (1 Peter 2:21, 23). How was Jesus able to handle all the abuse with such grace? He “kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23b). He truly believed His Father would settle the score in His favor.
Trusting God for the outcome worked for Jesus. It will work for us too. That’s worth remembering, the next time we are unfairly treated.
Father, whenever people are unkind to us, help us to respond as Jesus did. Help us to trust You as He did! In His name. Amen.
