1 Peter 3:14 KJV
[14] “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”
Perhaps the most beautiful smile is not that of an infant or a dear family member but that of a Christian who has suffered for the sake of the Gospel. This verse reminds me of a young married couple serving as missionaries on the mission field and murdered because of their faith in the Gospel. I still remember the picture of them smiling and happy to be full-time missionaries in a foreign land.
This verse also reminds me of a good friend serving the Lord in a Muslim area of the world. He and his wife left the comfort of America to spend the rest of their lives serving in a region that puts Christians to death because of their faith in the Gospel. Whenever I see this couple, they are full of joy rather than living in fear. They realized that their lives could change at any moment by being abducted, tormented, and killed for spreading the Gospel. Yet, they were happier serving the Lord in a dangerous area than many people in American churches with all the liberties and comforts of life. How is it possible for this couple to have more peace and happiness under such persecution than those who face none whatsoever?
There is only one answer to this question, and it is the will of God. I’m not saying that if you are not suffering persecution, you are not in the will of God. But many people in our churches today live in prosperity, comfort, apathy, and complacency. They are overly blessed but miserable because they are not giving God their best. The happiest people are those serving Jesus in the center of His will. The center of God’s will may not involve suffering, but if it does, it will also bring happiness and peace. Dear reader, I want to encourage you to evaluate your life and ask yourself, “Am I in the center of His will?” I ask this question because the will of God will always put a smile on your face. The most beautiful smile comes from those who can smile through the adversities in their lives. You will feel a deep sense of security in the will of God that you will not find anywhere else in this life.