How does God line up these things?

Numbers 26; Psalm 69; Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4

Before opening my Bible, the first thing I read today was a short prayer “for a time of war” asking the Prince of Peace to bring peace to this world in our time. Numbers 26 is about a census made of those preparing for war. Psalm 69 is a prayer in a time when the psalmist was being attacked by his enemies. Isaiah 16 is about a war against Moab in which this enemy of God’s people would be defeated. 1 Peter 4 describes being ready for opposition and suffering as those who hate God persecute those who follow Christ.

Peter’s chapter touches life here and now as we experience the world at war with a virus, sometimes at war with one another, and certainly the war a spiritual enemy who wants God’s people to fail in our faith. God blesses my heart concerning how to live in the midst of so much conflict . . .

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

Only the way Jesus handled suffering and conflict will bring me into the will of God. His way brings victory. My gut responses and human thinking will not do it. Peter agrees . . .

For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

Don’t be surprised; those who live in selfish indulgence and sinful excess will react negatively to godliness. Don’t let that stop me from sharing the gospel with them in hope that they will hear it and be saved!

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

No one knows when Jesus will return, yet I’m to anticipate it and live for Him — this is vital so my prayers will be answered. Love other Christians and welcome them. Use my gifts to serve them and receive their ministry to me. As we do that, God will be glorified — and this glory belongs to Him alone, always!

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:1–19)

My faith will be tested, just as Jesus was tested by suffering. I’m blessed if that happens because I am living for Him and this is nothing to be ashamed of. If I suffer for sin, that is not glory, but suffering in the will of God is His glory resting on me. Never forget that He is more concerned about my godliness and reaction to trials than He is about those who are causing bad things to happen to me. In all that the enemy throws at me, I am to trust the Lord and do good!

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