1 Peter 3:15-17 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Do we really trust God? Do we trust Him and proclaim His goodness only when we are on the mountaintop, or do we give Him thanks, praise Him, and trust Him, even in our times in the valleys? What enables us, as followers of Jesus, to continue trusting God even at the height of persecution and troubles? Peter gives us the key in today's verses. He calls us to sanctify the Lord in our hearts. What does that mean? It means that we are to completely acknowledge, believe, and live by the truth that God is holy. A holy God is always just, fair, and faithful to the truth that He is holy. Therefore, everything He dictates and allows is always in line with His holiness; that includes even the moments when He allows trials and persecutions to enter our lives. He is faithful to the truth that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), and ultimately works circumstances out for His glory. The bottom line is that we can maintain a testimony that honors God, in the midst of persecution and troubles, when we consecrate God in our hearts; holding fast to the truth that He is holy and will never do, or allow, anything contrary to His holiness.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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