Good morning people who are called of God

Acts 4:1-4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Many Christians have this false belief that nothing challenging will happen to them if they are doing the will of God. Comments are made like, “I was serving God and look what happened” and “I gave up everything to serve God and my life just became more difficult”.

Where did this belief come from? Maybe it’s because we know God’s plans are to do us good; not evil. This is true but good does not always mean easy. Good means according to God’s will because He knows best and He sees the big picture.

Peter and John were arrested while preaching; this is not exactly what they hoped would happen. Did they get angry and bitter? No. Did God’s will cease to happen in and through their lives? Absolutely not. Look at verse 4 again. ‘But many who heard the message (the message that was preached when Peter and John were arrested) believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.’

‘Bad things’ will happen to good people. There will be challenges, difficulties and persecutions; the Bible promises it. We must accept this as part of God’s plan. We must also accept that God’s will can still, and does still happen through these times. In fact, much of God’s plan cannot happen without it. Jesus had to suffer for God’s will to be done and there are times we will also. Accept this and allow God to do His work in us and through us.

Further Reading: Matthew 16:21, Matthew 5:11-12, John 15:18-21, 1 Corinthians 4:9-13, 2 Corinthians 4:7-18