Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How can your response to your current trial point others to the faithfulness and goodness of Christ?

Context
Peter wrote to believers who were facing persecution because of their faith in Christ. Rather than encouraging them to avoid suffering, he reminded them that hardship for the sake of Christ is not a sign of God’s absence but an opportunity to identify with Jesus. Their suffering had purpose because it pointed others to the hope found in Christ and prepared them for the glory yet to come.

Application
Hardship is something we all face, but not all suffering is wasted. When we endure trials with unwavering faith, we become living testimonies of God’s sustaining grace. Our response to pain often speaks louder than our words. People are watching to see whether our faith is genuine when life is difficult. As we trust God through disappointments, sickness, loss, or opposition, He uses our perseverance to glorify Himself and strengthen others. Though we may not understand every trial, we can be confident that God is using it to shape us into the image of Christ.

Truth For The Day
God never wastes your hardships when they are surrendered to Him for His glory.

Pray
Lord, when hardships come, help me to trust You instead of becoming discouraged. Give me strength to endure with joy, knowing that You are at work even when I cannot see it. Let my life reflect Your grace so that others will see Christ through me. May every trial bring You glory and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
When challenges arise, what do you instinctively trust first: your own abilities or the Lord?

Context
Throughout Israel’s history, military strength was often measured by the number of horses, chariots, and soldiers a nation possessed. The temptation was to place confidence in visible power rather than the unseen God. David reminds God’s people that true security has never been found in earthly resources but in the Lord Himself.

Application
We face similar temptations today. We place confidence in our bank accounts, careers, education, health, or even our own abilities. While these things have value, they cannot provide lasting peace or guarantee tomorrow. Circumstances change, but God never does.

Confidence in the Lord is not pretending life will always be easy. It is the settled assurance that God is faithful, sovereign, and present regardless of what we face. When our confidence rests in Him, fear loses its grip because we know the One who holds our future.

The stronger our relationship with God becomes, the stronger our confidence grows. As we remember His faithfulness in the past, we gain courage to trust Him with today and tomorrow.

Truth For The Day
Confidence in God never disappoints because His faithfulness never fails.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I place my confidence in myself or in things that cannot last. Teach me to trust You with every part of my life. Remind me that You are faithful, powerful, and always present. Help me face each day with confidence that comes from knowing You, not from my circumstances. May my life reflect unwavering trust in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What situation in your life do you need to view through the lens of Christ’s faithfulness today?

Context
The book of Hebrews was written to believers who were facing hardship, persecution, and the temptation to give up on their faith. In chapter 12, the writer encourages them to run the race of faith with endurance by fixing their eyes on Jesus. Verse 3 reminds them that when life becomes difficult, they should consider Christ and all that He endured.

Application
Jesus faced rejection, mockery, betrayal, false accusations, and ultimately the cross. Yet He remained faithful to the Father’s will. When we focus only on our problems, we can become weary and discouraged. But when we look to Jesus, we are reminded that He understands our struggles and has already overcome the world.

The Christian life is not free from trials, but we do not face them alone. Christ’s example gives us strength to persevere. His faithfulness in suffering encourages us to remain faithful in our own challenges. Whatever burden you are carrying today, remember that Jesus endured far more than we can imagine, and He will give us the grace to keep going.

Truth For The Day
When you focus on Jesus rather than your circumstances, you will find strength to endure.

Pray
Lord, thank You for enduring the cross and remaining faithful through every trial. Help me keep my eyes on You when I am weary and discouraged. Strengthen my heart to persevere and trust Your plan, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.