“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16).

 No matter what he did, Tom could not please his ungodly employer. The work environment was so stressful. While Tom did appreciate the fact that he was still employed while others were let go, he came to the point where he dreaded having to go to work. Tom’s boss was rude, never appreciated him, belittled his faith, and made life generally miserable. One Sunday morning after church service, Tom spoke with his pastor and said, “I just don’t think I can take it anymore, Pastor.” With that the pastor stopped and put his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Tom, I promise I will be praying for you. But you need to remember that believers have always suffered at the hands of those who hate our Savior. I suspect it’s not so much that he dislikes you, Tom, as it is that he really dislikes our Lord. As a believer, you do not have to be ashamed; you can actually glorify God in this hard time.” With that the two men walked to their cars. The next day Tom’s boss was still as unpleasant, but Tom had a whole new outlook. He had an attitude of gratitude toward the Lord and a special grace that came from the Lord Jesus. How about you? Is there an unbeliever who is making life miserable for you? Oh how that person needs the Lord!

 For today: Let’s resolve to glorify God even in the hard times.