Reflection: The sacrifice of faith
What practical but difficult advice given by the writer of the letter to the Romans. Many of us will gravitate to the bits that are easy to take on board such as ‘be joyful in hope’ but what about the other injunctions here? It is hard to be faithful in prayer when God’s timing is different from ours or his will is not aligned to ours.
Thousands of our brothers and sisters across the globe are all too familiar with the context of these other injunctions: to be patient in affliction and to bless those who persecute them. Let us put ourselves in the shoes of, for example, our Ukrainian brethren as they no doubt try and apply these verses to their current situation. Imagine trying to teach your children to do the same?
We can learn so much from the steadfastness of our persecuted and afflicted Christian brothers and sisters; their deep trust in God and his faithfulness to them. Let us be encouraged by their steadfastness as we are confronted with choices that require some sacrifice on our part. May we consider also what we may communicate with the children in our lives about the challenges faced by believers, in an age-appropriate way, helping them to pray for them and to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy.
Many in our world sacrifice much as Christians. What sacrifices might you need to make today because of your allegiance to Christ?
How can you help the children in your life understand the need to make choices for God that may include sacrifices?
Prayer: Today, we bring before your heavenly throne of grace, all those for whom each day is tough because they bear your name. Give them courage, encouragement and peace that you are with them; that you are not unacquainted with grief or rejection. Help us to remember you in our dark moments, to recall your words of assurance and stand on your promises that ‘in the morning’ we might yet praise you. Amen.