The concept of persecution can look so different from person to person and culture to culture because our experiences vary so drastically. Few of us, perhaps, can easily recall an example of a time in our lives when we were persecuted because of our faith. Most of us have not grown up with regular exposure to persecution as many of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world have. They choose to follow Christ with a black and white, life or death commitment that we rarely must consider when we call ourselves a Christian.
Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” John 15:20 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” Matt. 5:10 The Bible tells us to expect persecution. It can take many different forms and will not be to the same degree for all of us. Just because you have never experienced it personally does not mean you are failing in your walk. But there is something to be said for the way we are living out our faith in this changing society and culture, that truly living in a way which is glorifying to God and keeps him at the head of our households and our daily decisions, is increasingly likely to result in some form of persecution. We have to shift our perspective from asking if we are willing to die for Jesus, but rather to if we are willing to LIVE for him. Are you willing to take that risk?
Are you willing to truly live seeking to love God and love your neighbor, no matter the cost? Are you willing to set aside your comforts and securities and give yourself to whatever work the Lord calls you to, no matter the cost? Are you willing to pick up your cross daily and follow Christ, forsaking friends, family and the world, no matter the cost?
As we count our blessings today and look toward the Father to guide our steps, let us pray.
Pray for the persecuted church.
Pray for our nation.
Pray for brothers and sisters around the world.
Pray for the holy spirit to abide within and empower you to walk by faith and trust your future to the Lord regardless of your circumstances or how others may perceive or treat you.
Lord no matter the outcome, help me to trust the future to you by fully giving you my present. May others see Christ in me and may I see You in them. Amen