Year of the Bible: Part Ten of TwelveÀpẹrẹ

Persecution: We Know It’s Coming, and We Know He’s in it with Us

After a life-changing encounter with Jesus, Saul of Tarsus, once a chief persecutor of Christians, suddenly became the persecuted one. He was chased out of Damascus (escaping only with his life), sent away to Tarsus, and, somewhere in there, spent some time in far-away Arabia. The Lord said of Saul, “I will show him how much he must suffer for My sake” (Acts 9:16).

Later known as Paul, he would write that he gave up everything and counted it all rubbish for the sake of knowing Christ and “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:7–11). Paul used the word “fellowship” to assure us that Jesus is with us in those times. Jesus said to His followers, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you … rejoice and be exceedingly glad” (Matthew 5:11–12).

Question: What is your honest attitude about being mistreated, bullied, or insulted for no other reason than your faith in Jesus?

Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you embrace the privilege of suffering for the sake of Jesus. Ask Him to help you trust in God’s promise of a great reward in heaven for enduring persecution, and open your heart to allow Him to change you through your suffering.