With
persecution of Christians increasing in the world, including in the good ole
USA which was founded on religious freedom, we have to remember that the main
thing is still the main thing: God will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Regardless
of how many God haters rise into power, God is still in control of our
individual lives. Our fears and anxiety will only add to the stress and ill
health caused by their persecution.
If we learn
to enter God's rest now, while we still have our freedoms, it will enable us to
better traverse the unknown treatment, loss and deprivation which we may face
in the future.
God reminds
us that we are actually blessed when we are persecuted for His sake. We take
courage from the example set by lives such as Paul and the Old Testament
prophets (Matthew 5:10-12).
We rejoice,
because although we may face deprivation now, we are storing up rewards in
heaven for eternity. This concept allows us to rejoice and continue to serve as
the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:12-15).
God uses us
to preserve the lives and to light the path of those around us and to lead them
to Him. When they see His love, peace and joy in our life, regardless of
circumstances, they too will honor our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Prayer:
Father God,
remind us to take the focus off our self and to share Your love with those who
are also suffering all around us. Remind us that the endurance of Christ fills
our soul, because He abides within us. Any persecution is light and momentary
when compared to the glory You prepared for us in Heaven.
As Your
righteous ones, we live by faith and You preserve our soul, so there is no need
for us to shrink back in fear but to continue to show Your love even to our
persecutors (Hebrews 10:32-39).
Thought for
the Day:
Regardless
of those who are elected as our officials, how much power terrorists gain in
the world or how many laws are passed against us expressing our faith with
words, buildings, external crosses or religious trappings, nothing can separate
us from the eternal rest and love of God dwelling within us. - Romans 8:35-39;
Proverbs 21:1
