Persecution Is Guaranteed
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
I want to start today’s devotional with a hard truth. I know it might not be the most encouraging statement, but it’s a truth we all need to embrace and be prepared for as we continue to follow Jesus. Here’s the truth:
When you live for Jesus, you need to get ready to face persecution.
Don't think for a moment that everyone will applaud you for your values, your heart, and your love for God, even when you do the right things. Do not be surprised when you walk with Christ and face persecution as a result. The way Jesus calls us to live often requires us to go against culture and push back on what the masses are accepting as truth. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised when we receive backlash for being different as we try to live for Christ.
Remember what Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He told His disciples that they would be persecuted as He was persecuted. And the same is true for us today.
Now, you and I don't need to look for persecution, but we need to realize it will come. There’s no avoiding it. And guess what? Sometimes, that persecution will come from well-meaning people; sometimes, it will come from people who should know better. After all, the first opposition to New Testament evangelism came from within the church.
Maybe this reality is hitting home for you today. Maybe you have been bitten by sheep and you have been hurt. People have slandered you and talked about you behind your back because you stood up for what you believed in when no one else did. However, you need to realize that even if someone says or does something against you because of your faith, that’s part of the training to toughen you up because you are in a battle.
We are at war with the forces that are trying to come against God and keep people from living for Him. But we know from Scripture that Jesus has already been named the victor, and this truth can give us confidence when we’re facing persecution. So the next time someone says something hurtful or treats you differently because you are choosing to follow Christ, stand firm and remain at peace knowing that you are on the winning side, and nothing is going to change that!
I want to start today’s devotional with a hard truth. I know it might not be the most encouraging statement, but it’s a truth we all need to embrace and be prepared for as we continue to follow Jesus. Here’s the truth:
When you live for Jesus, you need to get ready to face persecution.
Don't think for a moment that everyone will applaud you for your values, your heart, and your love for God, even when you do the right things. Do not be surprised when you walk with Christ and face persecution as a result. The way Jesus calls us to live often requires us to go against culture and push back on what the masses are accepting as truth. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised when we receive backlash for being different as we try to live for Christ.
Remember what Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He told His disciples that they would be persecuted as He was persecuted. And the same is true for us today.
Now, you and I don't need to look for persecution, but we need to realize it will come. There’s no avoiding it. And guess what? Sometimes, that persecution will come from well-meaning people; sometimes, it will come from people who should know better. After all, the first opposition to New Testament evangelism came from within the church.
Maybe this reality is hitting home for you today. Maybe you have been bitten by sheep and you have been hurt. People have slandered you and talked about you behind your back because you stood up for what you believed in when no one else did. However, you need to realize that even if someone says or does something against you because of your faith, that’s part of the training to toughen you up because you are in a battle.
We are at war with the forces that are trying to come against God and keep people from living for Him. But we know from Scripture that Jesus has already been named the victor, and this truth can give us confidence when we’re facing persecution. So the next time someone says something hurtful or treats you differently because you are choosing to follow Christ, stand firm and remain at peace knowing that you are on the winning side, and nothing is going to change that!
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3 Comments
We are currently living this reality, as a choice to guard our children from exposure to the world’s current favorite acronym of sin has torn a rift down the middle of my husband’s family. It has been very painful. This devotion was so powerfully timely as we have been praying daily for the attacks on our family to stop. It seems, rather, we should be praying for perseverance for us- and for God’s saving grace to come upon these members of our family who we love and pray hard for their faith to change their hearts.
Well said !! Let us "stand firm" in our Faith for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ 🙏 !! Also, let us "reflect" His Love to those around us!!
Thank You for this devotional, It is very much needed. We do face these changes every day. God Will give Us what We need to Serve if We Ask. Thank God and PRAISE Him for He Loves Us !