1. Peter 4:14

The life of Joseph is one of the most amazing stories in the Bible. It displays the faithfulness of God that causes him to experience great victory after going through some of the most painful and difficult times in his life. Through rejection, betrayal, false accusation, bondage and despair, Joseph rose from the ashes of yesterday and walked into the divine destiny that God had for him.

In the second installment of a three-part series, Dr. Ramesh Richard, president of RREACH (a Global Proclamation Ministry) and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, offers additional thoughts on how adversity and disruption provide not only an "Identity Check" (Part 1), but also a "Maturity Check" for the Believer. Ultimately, there is freedom in living our lives under the shadow and the empowerment of our Trinitarian Christian Faith.

As Christians, we need a sober and biblically-based expectation of life. Life is to be enjoyed, but it will not always be enjoyable! Jesus prepared his disciples thoroughly for trials and testing, suffering and persecution. Our God is faithful and comforts us in every trial, so we invite you to come with us in this devotional as we learn to navigate the valleys of life in faith.

This Life.Church Bible Plan is a study of 1 Peter to accompany Pastor Craig Groeschel’s series, Different. In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … different .