You Will Be Persecuted
Devotional Reading: In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12 HCSB
Settle it in your heart: following Jesus and living the Christian life will attract persecution. If you are truly following Jesus as you should, you cannot avoid it. In Matthew 24:9, Jesus himself said, “Then they will hand you over for persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Our opening text also confirms this truth.
All those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Persecution can take many forms, including ridicule, rejection, name-calling, ostracism, physical attacks, and even death because of the name of Jesus. These are some of the prices you have to pay as a follower of Jesus, among others.
However, in the midst of persecution, Jesus promises to abide with us still. As Matthew 28:20 says, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
It is important to note that being persecuted does not mean God is not with you.
He is very much with you amid those persecutions. He may choose to rescue you or not. People persecute because their eyes have been blinded, making them available instruments in the hands of the enemy (the devil). Once they see the light, they will start to walk in love. Persecutors don’t know love, and therefore, they don’t know how to show it.
However, you must be able to differentiate between persecution and life challenges that are common to all people, whether they are saved or not. If we are sharers in his glory, we will also share in his sufferings. So beloved, it is crucial to develop a strong faith in God that will sustain you through times of persecution.
Remember, Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. We too can endure our sufferings by keeping our eyes on the prize ahead, which is eternal life with Him.
Prayer and Confession
God is always with me even amid persecutions. Lord help me to remain strong for you whenever persecution arises.
Further Readings: Acts 8:1, Acts 9:15, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
