“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 (KJV)

Let me tell you something we don’t talk about enough.

There is no shame in suffering for doing what is right.

In fact, sometimes the clearest evidence that you belong to Jesus is not the applause you receive but the resistance you endure.

Peter didn’t say, “If you suffer, you must have failed.”

He said, “If you suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed.”

That means when you stand for truth and it costs you something…

When you choose integrity over popularity…

When you hold your conviction with kindness but refuse to compromise…

And it feels lonely.

And it feels misunderstood.

And it feels heavy.

You are not losing.

You are glorifying God.

The world may not always celebrate your faith, but Heaven never overlooks it.

There is something powerful about a believer who refuses to bow to shame. A man or woman who says, “I may be criticized, but I will not be quiet. I may be opposed, but I will not be ashamed.”

Your suffering does not define you.

Your Savior does.

And when you carry the name “Christian” with courage, humility, and love—even in hardship—you shine brighter than you realize.

So today, if standing for Christ has cost you something, lift your head.

Do not be ashamed.

Glorify God right there in the middle of it.

Because sometimes the greatest sermon you will ever preach is simply how you endure.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted and most misunderstood verses in the New Testament. The apostle Paul wrote these words while sitting in a Roman prison, not while standing on a mountaintop of success. He was not celebrating comfort; he was describing contentment.

In the verses just before this one, Paul explains that he had learned how to live in abundance and in lack. He had known full tables and empty cupboards. He had experienced applause and persecution. And somewhere along that journey, he discovered a secret: strength is not found in circumstances but in Christ.

When Paul says, “I can do all things,” he is not claiming unlimited personal achievement. He is declaring spiritual sufficiency. He is saying that whatever God calls him to endure, face, or accomplish, Christ will supply the strength to see him through it.

This verse is less about ambition and more about endurance. Less about platform and more about perseverance. It is the steady assurance that no assignment from God will come without the enabling power of God.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that our confidence is not in our talent, resources, or resolve. Our confidence is in Christ. When the load feels heavy, when the road feels long, when obedience feels costly, we do not stand alone.

Through Christ, we are strengthened to remain faithful, grateful, generous, and steadfast—whether in plenty or in want.

It is not self-help.

It is Christ-help.

And that makes all the difference.

There’s something about early morning light that reminds me of this promise:

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV)

Not some grace.

Not barely enough grace.

All grace.

I don’t know what you’re facing today. It may be a heavy schedule, a tight budget, a weary body, or a burden nobody else can see. But this verse doesn’t say you are able. It says God is able.

That changes everything.

God is able to make grace abound toward you — that means grace can overflow in your life. Not trickle. Not drip. Overflow.

And why?

“That ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

In other words, God doesn’t just give you enough to survive, He gives you enough to serve.

Enough strength to keep loving.

Enough patience to keep leading.

Enough provision to keep giving.

Enough peace to keep trusting.

You may feel stretched, but you are not stranded.

You may feel empty, but heaven is not.

The same God who called you is able to sustain you. The same God who saved you is able to supply you. The same God who started the work in you is able to finish it.

So take a deep breath today.

Grace is coming your way.

Strength is coming your way.

Provision is coming your way.

Because God is able.