How to Overcome Hard Times

In 1 Pet 3:17, Peter in this book is addressing Hebrew Christians who live in Asia Minor.  He is preparing them for persecution that soon would be coming.  Suffering is part of the Christian life.  Peter says that it is important that we suffer for righteousness sake then for doing what is wrong.  God keeps and protects His people.  When we suffer for the Lord and for righteousness sake we shall recieve a reward.  But if a person is suffering for doing wrong than they are getting a reward for sin.  We are told to rejoice in suffering.  We are to count it all joy that we are going through tribulation for the cause of Christ.  The disciples rejoiced when they were persecuted for the Lord.  When you as a Christian face difficult times remember this exhortation.  Your promises today are:  Matt 28:20, Rom 8:11, 10:17, 14:17, James 4:7, 2 Pet 3:18.  Your Insightful Sayings are:  Man reads books to find success.  God wrote the book to be a success.  To many today talk about who they are in Christ instead of talking about who Christ is in them.