Did you have one of those days today when you felt like a "whipping boy" for the whole world...the victim of ridicule and mockery for simply trying to live today the way you felt the Lord would prefer you to?

The devil can use those ignorant of God's love and glory to bring some pretty tough pressures to bear on God's children. You can find yourself being put down and made to feel stupid for choosing not to see a popular movie, or laugh at vulgar humor or getting cynical looks and remarks because you won't cheat the careless store checker, lie to a potential car buyer, etc.

Maybe your Christian life occasionally causes minor inconveniences and sufferings. You may feel like giving up trying to live as a Christian in the world, a "square peg in a round hole." The enemy would have you knuckle under and conform to the world's ideas. He will try to make you feel that you are suffering indignities unnecessarily, and that the principle isn't really important. Don't let yourself fall into this trap.

Reject the enemy's pressure...cling instead to the Lord's beautiful promises. Follow Paul's advice: "So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you" (1 Peter 4:19, TLB).

Sleep easily tonight, dear one. For He who promises never to fail you has been where you are. He knows what it is like to be a "whipping boy," a "square peg," and because of His sufferings on earth, He assures a victorious tomorrow!

Dear Jesus, forgive me for letting the enemy spoil my day. Help me tomorrow to be mindful of Your sufferings, and to face my sufferings, trusting You are in charge and will never fail me. I give my life to Your care. In Jesus' Name, Amen.