Overcoming: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

Persecution and Loneliness

Did you become a Christian as an adult, or are you a lifer? What were your expectations once it dawned on you that you had been adopted by the Lord of the universe? Surely you expected that your life would get better and easier, and perhaps in some ways it did.

One of the nasty shocks of living the believer's life, though, is that in some ways life gets harder. We discover that some of our former pleasures are actually evil. We might also encounter some abuse and hostility from non-Christians.

Maybe people don't invite you to social gatherings because of your faith. Maybe they mock you for being a narrow-minded fundamentalist. Maybe they roll their eyes when you talk about religious stuff. Maybe you've lost some friends. Let me tell you this--that's not a sign that you made a mistake in trusting Jesus. It actually means you're following the Plan. Shortly before he died, Jesus told his disciples, "'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20).

Get it? If you are taking guff for your faith, it means that you're right where you're supposed to be.