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anglican devotional

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 28 December 2025 – Expect And Prepare For Affliction

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TOPIC: Expect And Prepare For Affliction

READ: 1 Peter 4:12-16 (NKJV)

  1. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
  2. but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
  3. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed [are you,] for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
  4. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
  5. Yet if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

THE MESSAGE:

There is the popular saying that “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” When we read through the Book of Acts, we will discover that trials were common to first-century Christians. Some were mobbed, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their faith. Knowing that persecution will certainly arise against Christians, Jesus had to prepare the minds of His followers in this regard, promising to send His Spirit to strengthen them when it happens (Luke 12:11-12). Here, Peter writes to encourage Christians who are suffering, not because of any wrongdoing of theirs, but as a result of attack on their faith, not to see suffering as “some strange thing” (verse 12).

This is not to say Christians should pray to encounter suffering. Far from it! Rather, they should expect it and prepare for it. Honestly, God’s plan for your life may include pain and hardship. So, when trouble comes, don’t be surprised but see it as a test of faith. James enjoins us to consider it “pure joy” when we face trials of many kinds (James 1:2). A sure way to prove that you are prepared when suffering comes, is not to ask God “why me?”, but to ask Him to show you “how” you can use the suffering to glorify Him.

PRAYER: Father, may every suffering I encounter, make my faith in You more mature, Amen!

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