Those who choose to press forward to possess the land through faith may experience suffering and difficulty. The enemy does not want us to win, but God calls us to stay strong in the midst of adversity. 

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. ‘If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well. 

—John 15:18-23 (NIV) 

Additional Scripture 

—Psalm 126 

REFLECT ON THE WORD

Possessing the land by faith is not about escaping suffering but embracing God’s call to walk in faithfulness in the suffering. Jesus was clear: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). 

We do not belong to this world. We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth, immigrants of the kingdom, sowers of hope in hard soil. 

Suffering faith does not suffer alone. Paul said: “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (2 Cor. 11:29). This is a testimony of embodied compassion, aligned with the call of Christ: “Mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15). This is the law of Christ, fulfilled when “we carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). 

Psalm 126 speaks of a community united in faith and declares that those who sow with tears will reap with shouts of joy. When we are oppressed, ignored, broken: Our sowing is not in vain. The One who sees in secret will reward in the open (Matt. 6:6). 

Our faith is not measured by the world’s applause, but by our steady obedience to God—even in the dark. Today we sow; tomorrow we will sing the harvest. 

PRAYER + CONTEMPLATION

1 - Are you currently experiencing suffering in your own life? How have you grown in your ability to suffer well? Ask God where you might need further growth. 

2 - Who do you know that is currently experiencing suffering because of their work of faith? Bring them before the Lord and pray that they would not waver or succumb to the enemy. 

3 - Pray for Christians around the world who are currently suffering because of their faith. Pray that God would give them the strength to remain faithful no matter the circumstances, and that their sufferings would draw others to Christ.