Joy in the Fire
Scipture
Acts 5:41 (NIV)
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
Reflection:
We don’t naturally celebrate suffering. Disgrace, rejection, or persecution often leave us silent, discouraged, or questioning. But Acts 5 flips the script: the apostles, beaten and scorned, rejoiced. Not because pain is pleasant—but because it meant something deeper. They had been counted worthy. Not by the world’s standards, but by heavens.
To suffer for the Name is to share in the mission, the message, and the heart of Jesus. It means our faith isn’t invisible—it’s active, bold, alive. And though the cost is real, the joy runs deeper. It’s not in comfort, but in communion. Not in applause, but in alignment with Christ.
This kind of joy is defiant. It sings in chains. It celebrates being seen by God—even when misunderstood by others. So today, if your obedience leads to challenge, remember: you’re not alone. And you’re not losing. You are living a faith worth noticing.
Prayer:
Jesus,
Thank You for showing me a joy that doesn’t depend on ease or approval. When I face rejection or hardship for following You, remind me that I’m walking the path of the apostles—counted worthy to bear Your name. Help me endure with grace, stand with courage, and rejoice even in the fire. Let my life reflect Your love and truth, no matter the cost, today, tomorrow and forevermore. Amen.
Todd Crouch is Currently the Pastor of the Topinabee Community Church, in Topinabee, MI. He Was the Long Time Host of The Fountain of Life Broadcast, which was aired on RKP Radio in Washington, PA and streamed around the world. Todd studied Theology and Pastoral Ministry at Grace Communion Seminary. He is also a student of Church History, the America Civil War and Scottish History. He and his wife love to travel and walk the beach. They live in the Straits Area of Michigan. Visit Todd’s Website for more articles.
Image by DEEPAI
Reading your reflection, I thought of a couple of scriptures that speak to our suffering.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:35)
Thank you. I pray that you thaw out soon, there in the Midwest. Take care and God bless.
Thank you Dennis for your comment and your prayer for an early thaw…..Todd