Jesus is Worth it All

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NKJV)

There's a story in "The Insanity of God" about a man who was once a persecutor of Christians. His attacks and actions led to the persecution and deaths of dozens of believers. Eventually, he gave his life to Christ and became a passionate defender of the faith—smuggling Bibles and leading people to Jesus. During an interview, he was asked about the safety of his family.

This man, who was once very rough but had become a Christian, got very close to Ripken and said, "I would be willing to die for my faith. But why would God ask me to let my wife die? Why would God ask me to let my children die?" The interviewer then asked one powerful question: "Is Jesus worth it? Is Jesus worth your life?" The man began to weep and replied, "Jesus is worth it. He is worth it. He's worth my life. He's worth my wife's life. He's worth my children's lives." Indeed, Jesus is worth anything and everything.

That reflects what Peter is teaching in 1 Peter 4:12-19: when the pressure is on—whether through persecution, trials, suffering, or any hardship—the question isn't whether God will remove every problem. The real question is: Is Jesus worth it? Jesus never promised a life free of problems. In fact, He said, "In the world you will have tribulation." But He also assured us, "Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world."

The same God Who has been faithful and present in difficult times in the past will be faithful and present in today's challenges, too.

Reflection Question: Can you honestly say about your current trials, "Jesus is worth it all"? What would help strengthen that conviction?

Dear Jesus, when I think about what You've done for me—dying on the cross, rising from the dead, and preparing a place for me in heaven—I want to say You are worth everything to me. Strengthen my faith when trials come, and help me remember You have overcome the world. In Your Name I pray, amen.

Adapted from "When the Heat is On": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vczppxd/21-when-the-heat-is-on-1-peter-4-12-19