Blessed are The Persecuted

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:11

We may never experience martyrdom for our faith as many faithful believers have done over time, but God’s Word tells us that, as believers, we will all experience persecution because of our belief in Christ.  It may come in quiet, subtle ways or may be bold and direct.  It may be short lived or lifelong.  Regardless of when, how or for how long, it has the potential of working, what the enemy intended for evil, for our good – the perfecting of our faith.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  (James 1:2-3)  The reason we can count it as joy is because we know that our suffering for Christ in this life is but a moment compared to what awaits the faithful in Eternity with Him.

It was because of the joy of their salvation that Paul and Silas were able to sing in chains after being severely beaten and imprisoned.  It was because of his restored relationship with Christ that Peter was able to endure his own crucifixion upside down on a cross and it was because of their hope in the resurrection and faithfulness of God’s promises that many other believers faced the lions that prowled around ready to devour them in the arenas.

God is with us in the fiery furnaces, in times of temptation, trouble and trials and in those moments we can know and believe, with assurance, that nothing will separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.