1 Peter 4:12-14 ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.’

DAILY READING; • Colossians 2:20-3:17; Ezekiel 29-30; Isaiah 55

Laos is in a country in Southeast Asia where Communism is dominant and Christians often suffer persecutions.
In Laos, Christians are a minority while Buddhists are the majority. In a population of just under 7.2 million, there are only around 199,000 Christian believers.
Christian activities are heavily monitored by the communist authorities, and house churches are forced to meet underground as they are considered ‘illegal gatherings’.
Life is especially difficult for converts to the Christian faith, who are at risk of persecution from their family and the local authorities. This can involve damage to property, confiscation of possessions and fines.
Recently there was public outcry over the News of Seven Laos Christians who were thrown out of their homes for their faith.
These seven Christians were driven out by local authorities and forced to live in the open and in the surrounding forests despite a national law that was supposed to protect their free exercise of religion.
Some other Christians in Laos languish in prison because they would not give in to the government’s condition for their release, which is to recant their faith in Christ.
Yet, despite these persecutions, many believers in Laos count it a great joy to suffer for the sake of Christ. Their persistence and refusal to give up their faith continues to strengthen other believers, so that rather than diminish in the face of persecution, the Church in Laos is increasing and waxing stronger to the glory of God.

Indeed God uses trials to reveal His glory in us.
While the enemy may be bringing difficulties and challenges, God turns it all around to manifest His glory and change our story.

Sometimes in life we can pass through seasons of temptations where it seems we are in the fiery furnace. But as we keep blessing God at all times, that test that seemed insurmountable, will turn into a testimony and it will all end in praise.

This is why you should be joyful no matter what comes your way.
The truth is that trials come to everyone at some points in life.
Isaiah 43:2 says, ”When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.” The Bible didn’t say ‘if’ but ‘when.’
This means we will all surely pass through the fire sometimes.
Apostle Peter says we should not think these fiery trials to be strange, but rather we are to count it all joy.
Joy is a spiritual force that empowers us for victory.
It is the mystery behind rising above obstacles because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Indeed no matter what you are going through, you should always remain joyful and give God praise. The battle is not yours but the Lord’s.
When we choose to praise God in the midst of difficulties, He takes over our battles. And whenever God takes over any situation, it becomes a walkover and our victory is sure.

Therefore today, do not allow any condition to stop your praise. Keep counting it all joy and keep blessing the Lord, because He is working to manifest His glory through you.
Don’t ever let the devil steal your joy. Shake off the gloom he’s trying to cover you with. Instead of looking at what the enemy may be doing, rather use the time to count your blessings. You will be surprised to see what God has done already.
Certainly, the good work God has begun in you, He will bring it to completion. Therefore keep praising Him in the face of challenges. Sing in the midst of your stress. Shout Hallelujah, for indeed the Lord your God is mighty and He will yet do greater wonders in your life.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to always praise You, no matter what comes my way. Let nothing ever stop the continual flow of your praise from my lips. I thank You for indeed doing wonders without numbers in my life in this season Jesus Name.

QUOTE
The prison can’t stop my prayer, the prison can’t stop my praise, praise is God’s power to raise. – WORDBITE 222