City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)

Reflection

Peter knew how he would die. This was revealed to him by Jesus in John 21:18-19. Peter also knew what is like to be bold because he betrayed Jesus three times. Yes, you read that correctly. It is usually those who know what not to do who can best explain what you should do. Failure only brings you experience in how to do something better.

So as Peter writes his first letter, I can trust that what he says comes from experience. He tells his readers to be bold in their faith. That if they suffer according to God’s will, then they should reaffirm their faith in Him and continue to do good. That’s a powerful message. Be bold, keep being bold, and commit yourself to the Creator who is faithful to us no matter if we suffer for doing right or keeping failing in doing so. Yes, we can fail at being bold, but we are also given more chances to do what’s right.

Continue to do good and do so boldly.

Application

There are probably countless times where we failed to be bold. When we did not have courage to stand up and do what was right and what God called us to do. The good thing is, is that we have a loving God who gives us many second chances to do the right thing. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit, trust Him ,and obey God’s word when it comes to reaching our world for Christ.

You may suffer, you may be put down, but it isn’t because of you, it’ll be because of the gospel. Commit yourself to our faithful Father in heaven and keep going, keep doing good! Be bold!

Prayer

Thank You Father for helping me be bold. Let me be a powerful instrument for Your kingdom so that Your words can be proclaimed by those who I interact with anywhere that I go. Help me be the light that shines strongly and boldly for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.