Joy in Persecution (by Cathe Laurie)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 ESV).

There’s a story told of the great preacher John Wesley. He was riding along on his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed, and he had not been persecuted in any way.

He stopped his horse and said out loud, “Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?” Slipping down from his horse, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually.

A man who disliked Wesley saw him kneeling in prayer. The man picked up a brick and threw it at Wesley, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, “Thank You, Lord! I know I still have Your presence.”

Are We Too Comfortable?

How comfortable have we gotten in our lives today? How easy is it, especially in the U.S., to live out our lives, not disturbing anyone else, slipping into church on Sunday, and praying in private, only declaring the name of the Lord in situations we know will accept Him?

We might think we’re doing just fine! The easier life seems, the better we feel.

In the movie God’s Not Dead, a mother battling dementia has a moment of clarity when her son asks her why, if she believed in God, He would allow her to suffer through her illness. And why he, as a nonbeliever, was doing just fine.

She replied, “Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble because he doesn’t want them turning to God. Their sin is like a jail cell, except it is all nice and comfy, and there doesn’t seem to be any reason to leave. The door’s wide open. Until one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it’s too late.”

WOW!

Here’s the hard-hitting question: Is your life aggravating or aiding the enemy? Remember, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV).

Friends, if you are comfy and cozy in your life and there is no trouble coming your way, I urge you to pray that God would speak clearly if there is anything that must be changed! Not to say we should go out into the world seeking trouble. I just urge you not to become complacent in your comfort!  

Persecution in the Bible

The greatest, most on-fire figures in the Bible faced persecution for their beliefs. David was pursued by Saul and forced to run through the wilderness. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a furnace.

With their lives on the line, they drew their strength from the God who knew them and held them in His hand. They all faced the impossible and survived! And what a testimony their lives turned into!

When we are persecuted, when our lives are at stake, when we face impossible situations, they are opportunities for God to use us to show His glory and power.

May we face our complacency head-on today and ask the Lord to show us how He wants to use us!  

Get these articles in your inbox!

—

Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.