August 9 – Being unshakeable

For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken. (2 Peter 3:13-14 NET)

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you were being accused unfairly?  Have you felt anger and frustration at the fact that evil was appearing to win while goodness and truth seemed to be tossed to the side?  Well, this is nothing new.  The Christians in the first century went through much worse hardships for their faith that we ever have.  Peter is teaching a truth here that we all need to hold onto and believe in the darkest and heaviest moments of our lives: who is going to harm us if we are devoted to what is good?  

God promises that if we are devoted to Him, to His truth, to His ways and to His honor and glory, than nothing can harm us.  Our blessings and our favor with God can never be destroyed because He sees all that is going on, both in public and in secret.  We may suffer being misunderstood or falsely accused, and even though to all appearances we may look as though we are defeated, we are in fact the most blessed of all people, and we need to hold onto that promise with all we’ve got.  If we are being persecuted for what is right, God will see to it that the truth will be made known.  

Peter knew exactly what he was talking about.  He had been imprisoned for his faith, but had seen an angel unlock the doors of his prison and lead him straight past the jailors who didn’t even see him walk by.  The angel led him right out of the city gates to be able to safely escape to the local church where the members had been fervently praying for him.  He had suffered injustice, but he ended up being blessed and honored by God.  This is our God today!  He is telling us not to fear anything or anyone who comes against us unfairly.  The promise is not just for those who “do good,” but is for those who are devoted to what is good - devoted to living in God’s ways and principles.  

Your safety against the evil and injustice of this world doesn’t just come from a good lawyer or a family that will stand up for you.  Our only security comes from the Spirit of God, and that can only happen when we are first and foremost devoted to Him.  If you treat God as your sovereign Lord and Master, than you can take this promise literally in every situation.  Don’t be terrified, and don’t be shaken.  You have a mighty God fighting for you and who promises to bless and protect you from all harm.