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Welcome Persecutions
By
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“Yea,
and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”
(2 Timothy 3:12)
As long as you’re living the authentic Christian life, you’ll definitely
be persecuted. Now, persecution is not the same as suffering lack, or
suffering as a result of sickness and disease. To suffer persecution
means to be hated, mistreated, reproached, or punished unjustly for the
sake of the gospel. That a fellow is broke for example doesn’t mean he’s
suffering persecution. Such a fellow is merely paying for his or her
ignorance.
The early disciples of Jesus were beaten, imprisoned and some even
martyred like Stephen (Acts 7:60) because they were preaching the Name
of Jesus. That’s persecution. Many Christians still face such things
today even amongst their family members and friends. Perhaps you just
became a Christian and others in your family haven’t yet known the Lord,
or maybe they’re even Christians, but carnal Christians. Definitely,
they’ll pick on you all the time, criticizing your faith and new
lifestyle. When that happens, don’t feel bad or fret that you’re being
persecuted, for it’s a proof that you’re walking in the light.
When persecution comes, remember the words of Jesus: “Blessed are
they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for
my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”
Matthew 5:10-12). Our response to persecutions should be one of
rejoicing! You ought to thank God for counting you worthy to suffer for
His Name.
Persecutions are necessary ingredient required to strengthen your
convictions about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome them
gladly when they show up, knowing that you have a reward in heaven.
Never complain, get bitter, or angry when you’re being persecuted.
Instead, declare that you’re coming out of that persecution stronger and
better, for you’re bigger and greater than your adversaries!
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for counting me worthy to suffer reproach for the
Name of Jesus. I’m unashamed to be identified with Jesus and more than
willing to endure persecutions for the sake of the gospel. I know that
persecutions are stepping stones for my promotion; therefore I ask that
you continually strengthen my convictions as I come out of every
persecution stronger in the faith, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Act 5:40-42
Romans 8:35-37
(Taken by permission from
Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer's LoveWorld Ministries ,
Lagos, Nigeria.
www.ChristEmbassy.org )
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