Hope In the Face of Persecution
Who shall separate us from the
love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship
or persecution…
Romans 8:35
I remember school-year’s childhood bullies. They harassed, tormented, mistreated, and abused (sometimes physically but always emotionally) students they perceived as weaker than themselves. The bully pursued with intensity his seemingly helpless victim; cornering him in the hallway, surrounding him in a circle of like-minded friends on the playground, verbally abusing him, and sometimes physically picking at or attacking him until his spirit was crushed, and he was humiliated in front of all those watching. Persecuted for not acquiescing.
Our oldest and youngest son each faced a bullying situation in middle school. My husband and I taught our children to never start a fight but to defend themselves if necessary. With one son, talking with an administrator remedied the situation. However, the other son’s bully went to the classroom seeking out our son and charged him like a bull after a red bandanna. Our son defended himself, but both boys were taken to the principal’s office, and both boys were going to be but in In-School Suspension for three days.
I vigorously objected. Our son was where he was supposed to be, doing what he was supposed to be doing, with a teacher who witnessed the actions of the bully bursting into the room for the sole purpose of attacking our son. As a mother, there was no way I was going to allow my son to be punished for simply defending himself. The principal consented; adding one statement to his ruling: “If it happens again, your son will also go to ISS.”
At that moment I did what any God-fearing, Christian, loving mother would do. I turned to our son and said, “If he comes after you again, you better get three-days-worth of him because apparently you will be going to ISS for defending yourself.” As the principal called my name while picking his jaw up off the desk, I smiled, said thank you for your cooperation, and we left his office. The bully spent three days in ISS with the understanding that our son was not an easy target.
In Romans 8:35, the Apostle Paul conveys how much Christ loves you and me. When faced with hardship, danger, or persecution, His love never fails. In a time when Christians are being persecuted across our country, and make no mistake, Christians are being persecuted, it is a blessing to read the words of Christ as written down in Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Because of righteousness! Whose righteousness? Romans 3:10 tells us, “There is no one righteousness, not even one.” Our righteousness is only found through faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Being in right standing with God is our righteousness. Therefore, if and when you or I are persecuted because of righteousness as indicated in Matthew 5:10, we are being persecuted because we are Christian.
So where is your hope in a world becoming more and more hostile towards Christians, true believers, those who practice faith in God through Christ in every area of life? Your hope is in the love of Christ—the One in Whom you place your trust. Nothing man can do can ever separate you from His love.
The world may stereotype you as a bitter person clinging to your “guns and religion.” The world may justify their name calling: bigots, close-minded, intolerant, mean… The world may try to exempt you from civic positions such as PTA leader, City Council Representative, or media personnel. The world may try to criminalize you by suing you or your business because of your failure to cooperate with those whose views you do not hold. And unfortunately, even in our country, we have seen death blows delivered for refusing to renounce the name of Christ.
So what do you do with all of that seemingly dark, defeating, discouraging information? I’m glad you ask! God’s Word has the perfect prescription for the days in which we live. Be encouraged!
Don’t forget against whom you are fighting when persecution arises.
Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Remember where your hope is found.
2 Thessalonians 16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Follow those principles, and let the enemy know that you are not an easy target. And remember, nothing, no one, no circumstance can ever separate you from the love of Christ. He is our hope in the face of persecution.
Hope for Daily Living
Have you ever encountered a bully? How did you feel? How did you react?
Do you believe that you are an easy target for persecution? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Who is our battle really against in this life?
Write Romans 8:35 and Ephesians 6:10-18 below.
When you face persecution, what will you do?
Heavenly Father,
help me remember that my battles in this life are not against people. My enemy is satan. He is sly and knows how to put a human face on his personal attacks against me. When I am tempted to forget, remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love. When I am tempted to give in, remind me to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the enemy. When I am tempted to give up, remind me that I am called to obey, and You are in total control of the consequences. Increase my faith and confidence in You, O Lord. In Jesus precious Name. Amen.
© Joyce Powell
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