"Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
Persecution is a promise for every believer. It is necessary for your promotion and will come at different levels in your life.
It’s what makes you different from others and separates you from the crowd.
Persecution is the harsh treatment from others to compel you to comply to their
own way of doing things. As a Christian who lives by God’s Word, you will surely
be persecuted. The Master confirmed this in John 15:20: "Remember
the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If
they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my
saying, they will keep yours also."
Everyone who wants to be like Jesus must be ready
to receive persecutions like He did. But the beautiful thing about it is, as
you remain standing on God’s Word, irrespective of the persecutions that come
your way, the Lord Himself will honor you. Jesus knew we would encounter
problems and challenges in this world, but He confirmed that as we remain in
Him, we would live a life of peace even in the face of adversity: "These
things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye
shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"
(John 16:33).
You may wonder why God left us in this world of
trials and temptations, or want to know why He allows trials to come our way in
life. Well, the truth is God doesn’t mind trials or temptations coming your way
since He knows He has already made you more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). 1
John 4:4 says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome
them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
You should expect persecution and never be afraid
of it; believe in it, it’s important. The measure of persecution that you face
is the measure of training that you have. Irrespective of the diverse tests,
persecutions or trials that you might face, rejoice; for they will be
bread for you! All such contrary winds will only drive your roots deeper in
God's hope.
Further Study:
James 1:2-4
Andy Agim
Christ Realities
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