| Numbers 8:1-9:23; Mark 13:14-37; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:29-30
“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the BEGINNING of birth pains. But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to the Sanhedrin, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them. And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour – say it. For it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:7-11)
The world can be a very scary place with all of the wars and hardship we see taking place among the nations, especially with all of the intolerance directed at Christianity. I read over a sheet yesterday that probably had no less than 20 different stories of Christians being attacked publicly, privately and physically around the globe. The persecution that some of our brothers and sisters endure throughout the world is unbelievable. Some of us in free lands find it hard to believe some of the things they are facing. It is almost surreal. Although our freedom and respect are eroding daily.
The Bible states that we will see these types of things occur before the end of this age. Jesus comforts us by giving us what we can expect and telling us basically that we are not alone. It’s really easy to get down when you’re hammered by people trying to make you look insincere, heretical, and criminal. Jesus said some will even try to imprison you. Jesus tells us this is great news, “Wow, you get to stand before governors and kings. Don’t worry about a thing, Holy Ghost is going to tell you exactly what you need to say. This is going to be a great witnessing day!” I know, you’re thinking, “I’m on the other side of the bars Jesus, how great of a witness is that?” God knows what He’s doing. He’s bringing you before people who need to hear a specific word. People that will not get it like they need it any other way. There is purpose in your persecution.
To my brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for the gospel’s sake, for those who have been used, abused and falsely accused, just remember the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ and be encouraged. He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. We are not in a popularity contest, we are not trying to make it to the top by the world’s standards, we are servants of the Most High. If serving our Lord makes us look foolish, ruins our reputations and cost of everything, then so be it. I pray none of us would see extreme times, but if we do, be strengthened, God is standing with you. If everyone turns against you, throw back your shoulders and hold your head up high, the God of all creation is ordering your steps. You are somebody in Christ Jesus. Be brave, be strong, God loves you and He is for you!!!
PRAYER:
Lord, let my confidence be in You. You are so faithful. If my steps are truly ordered by You then You know exactly where I am and what I am going through and You are with me. Father help me to slow down and always look for Your purpose. Encourage me Father, lead me. I pray against the spirits of fear and depression, use me Lord, it’s in Your name that I pray. Amen. |
