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.’

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Exodus 31-33, Psalm 27, Proverbs 27.
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In the country of Laos in Southeast Asia, Christians often face severe persecutions. There, communism is dominant, majority of the population are Buddhists, while Christians are in the minority.
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 new converts to the Christian faith, who are at risk of persecution from their family and the local authorities. This can involve damage to their property, confiscation of their possessions and fines.
Few years ago 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 as a great joy to suffer for the sake of Christ. Their persistence and refusal to give up their faith continues to strengthen believers in other nations. Rather than diminish in the face of persecution, the Church in Laos is increasing and waxing stronger to the glory of God.

We should always maintain our joy no matter what comes our 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.(1 Peter 4:12-14)
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. The challenges and trials that come our way are often turned around by God to manifest His glory in us.
In those seasons of temptations where it seems we are in the fiery furnace, if we can focus on blessing God, He will turn the test to a testimony and it will all end in praise. Therefore, no matter what you are going through, always remain joyful and give God all the glory.The battle is not yours but the Lord’s.
Instead of looking at what the enemy may be doing, rather use the time to praise God for what He has done and is able to do in your life.
Don’t ever let the devil steal your joy. Shake off the gloom and let your voice boom with praise. Sing in the midst of your stress. Shout Hallelujah, for indeed the Lord your God is mighty and He will yet do greater things.
Today, never allow any condition to stop your praise. Keep counting it all joy and keep blessing the Lord, because He is at work to manifest His glory in you and through you.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to always maintain my joy. Let nothing ever stop the continual flow of your praise from my lips. I thank You for indeed manifesting Your glory in me and doing wonders without numbers in my life in Jesus Name.

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

Shalom!

@GOODHEART- EKWUEME .

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