Boldness in Suffering

Read: Acts 5:40–42

After being beaten and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus, the apostles rejoiced. They considered it an honor to suffer for His name.

This is hard for us to grasp. Our natural reaction to suffering is avoidance. But the apostles saw suffering not as failure but as fellowship with Christ. Their pain was proof of their faithfulness.

Boldness doesn’t mean we don’t feel pain—it means we see our trials in light of eternity. The same Spirit who filled the apostles fills us. And in suffering, He gives us strength to endure, hope to rejoice, and a testimony that points to Jesus.

Reflection: How do you usually respond to hardship—resentment, fear, or trust? How might God be inviting you to view trials as an opportunity to glorify Him?

Prayer:

Jesus, when suffering comes, help me see it as sharing in Your story. Strengthen me to endure with faith, and let my life point others to You. Amen.