These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)
Bottom line: Persecution from the World will only make you stronger.
Teaching
A lot of Christians usually wonder why the Lord will allow them to go through hard moments in life. Some have lost their jobs, money, and even their lives because of their faith. And they wonder why God allows them to go through all of that.
Well, the Bible makes us understand that persecution is part of the package that we receive from the Lord after believing in Christ. Jesus said in our opening verse that.
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)
Jesus knew we would be persecuted because of him. Remember we are in this world, but not of this world. We are citizens of another kingdom. Therefore, as long as we are in this world, we are bound to face opposition from it, because the ruler of this world (the devil) is an enemy of God. So, Jesus said.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
However, these persecutions turn to our benefit in that, though the enemy is attempting to destroy our faith in God, we instead tend to be drawn closer to God. When we are persecuted, we pray the more, we fast the more, we study the word the more and we fellowship with each other the more. Our relationship with the Lord and with each other is strengthened instead of being diminished. This is why God allows persecution to come our way. Because he is sure we shall come out stronger and victorious.
David was a great king of Israel who went through diverse challenges before coming out victorious. He declared in Psalm 23:4
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Psalms 23:4 (KJV)
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
He knew walking through the “valley of the shadow of death” was part of the journey. He never asked God to change the direction of his course. He said, “I will fear no evil because you are with me”.
Just like God was with David in the valley, so is he with you. Cheer up, he is the God of the mountain and the God of the valley as well.
The Bible clearly tells us that the road that leads to life is narrow, and few get to find it.
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:14 (KJV)
Some Christians get discouraged on the way because of persecution from their family, relatives, and society. Jesus never promised that it would be easy. He promises that you will have victory if you stick with him till the end.
So, don’t give up. The world will make you suffer, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Further Study
- Romans 8:31 [What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?]
Reflection
- Have you ever been persecuted because of your faith in Jesus Christ?
- Have you ever been discouraged because of persecution?
- In times of persecution, remember the words of our Lord Jesus;
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Romans 8:37 (KJV)
Prayer
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for laying down your life for me. Thank you for being with me in hard times and moments of persecution. I declare that in you, I have victory over all arrows shot at me. I am stronger and wiser daily as I have victory over the enemy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
