Just Because

Have you ever just felt like writing until your heart didn’t hurt anymore? Writing is my outlet and today I’m experiencing something I absolutely hate because I’m being persecuted for my beliefs. While my emotions may be raw at the moment, my faith has taken over. I haven’t acted out in anger or frustration, I’m pretty peaceful and quiet right now, and I just want to take some time out of my day to tell you about what the Bible says regarding persecution. Are you with me?

You Will Be Hated

What do you do if someone close to you, let’s say your husband, sister, or a parent, doesn’t want you to speak the truth about Jesus to them when they speak about their religion to you? This is what’s happening to me. Jesus says in Matthew 10:22, “And you will be hated by all for My Name’s sake.” Why are we hated? Because we love Jesus. The Pharisees, who were considered the High Priests, shunned Jesus at every turn. The didn’t believe that Jesus was the One who was coming to save them, so they claimed blasphemy against Him, when, in reality, they were the ones committing blasphemy against Jesus. “Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (Joh 15:19). When someone doesn’t believe the Word of God, they commit sin against the LORD and they don’t understand the ways of a believer. Jesus plucked us up and saved us and we are hated because of our beliefs. Many of us want to be liked by everyone, but it’s utterly impossible to please every whim that comes your way. What we have to do when we’re hated is stand firm in our convictions and be the light for others to see.

Blessed In The Trial

Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” While it seems impossible to deal with persecution, we have hope that our trial will be blessed in the end. Being persecuted will happen if you’re following the LORD wholeheartedly, which is why I don’t even feel angry about my situation. It actually shows me that I’m doing what I’m commanded to do. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:10-11).” Look at what we receive if we obey God’s commandment to be faithful unto death! Thanks be to God for Your blessings!

Strength

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).” If you are facing the battle of persecution, look it in the face and smile because you have a Savior who is strengthening you with His mighty power. You were created in God’s image and He wants you to go out and let other see the Jesus in you. Don’t be afraid because the One who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4). We are overcomers because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and God wasn’t lying when He said that He loves us so much He was going to send His Son to save us (John 3:16).” Remain faithful to Him and you will find strength. Be well, friends.