Nobody likes suffering or being persecuted. It runs contrary to our ideals of life. It’s painful. Yet the truth is, because of man’s imperfection, we experience some form of persecution. It’s part of life. It works something in us that brings us closer God. It helps us to identify with the Son of God, who endured persecution and suffering to the point of death—to realize the glory of eternal life. All in all, persecution brings us to a place of experiencing the glory of God being revealed through us.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18-20).
RELEVANCE
As a boy growing up in Brooklyn I experienced boys representing themselves as Christians picking fights with us on the way to Hebrew School. They persecuted us because they were taught the Jews were Christ killers. Little did I know God would reveal to me greater truths, draw me to Christ and know Him in an intimate way, and fill me with a great measure of His Spirit.
“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra — what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:10-12).
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26).
I believe a key here is running the race of life “not with uncertainty’. God would have us be certain—fully persuaded—of His faithfulness. It provides strength to endure and see God be glorified in the short term and over the long run.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Ask God what He is working through persecution. Allow Him to reveal truths that will bless you more than you think.
REFERENCES
1 Peter 4:12-16