“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,” (2 Timothy 1:8-9)

Today is my marriage anniversary. I want to publically announce that my wife Tina is wonderful! She was the answer to a prayer and direct petition to God. I praise Him because He not only answered my prayer, but gave me so much more then asked for!

As I was praying and praising God this morning I was thinking about our marriage vows. The one the stuck out to me and inspired today’s devotion was the one, “For Better or Worse”

That vow not only describes the great times, but also the times we may suffer, the times that we must surrender and choose peace and compromise over an our own strong will.

Are you fully surrendered to God’s will for your life? I believe many of us would eagerly say “yes” because we desire to be obedient to God. Of course, the question gets a little hard when you add, “Even if it involves suffering?” This is where the rubber meets the road and where we have to ask ourselves the hard questions. After all, comfort is nice, but in order to experience life to the fullest, we need to trust and walk out God’s plan, not our own.

I still struggle in this area personally. I have often asked myself “why do I push on with preaching His word when it seems I continually face all of the enemies obstacles day after day?” I’m greatful that my faith would never change, however I still get discouraged at times.

In the life of Paul, we have a front row seat to a life dedicated to the Lord–no matter what. Paul had been mocked and criticized, beaten, shipwrecked and more, yet he remained obedient without batting an eye. How? Why? Because he loved God and knew that a life dedicated to Jesus would mean that he’d endure sufferings like our Lord did. So with that in mind, I’ll ask again, “Are you surrendered to God’s will for your life?” Then get moving and watch God do amazing things in your life.

“Exercising our faith requires action, especially during difficult times. Remember that is wasn’t the nails that held Jesus on the Cross. It was His Love and His Faith that did!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your grace and mercy. Lord, I don’t want to be content with a life of comfort. I desire to be obedient to Jesus even if it means suffering. Give me the strength to endure and the faith to trust in You no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen

God loves you and wants only the best for us, His children.. If you have not fully surrendered your life to Jesus, or would like to take this time to reconnect with Him, Please Click Here

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org