Every time I hear about the terrible persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ, I cringe in fear, wondering if I will have what it takes to withstand persecution or will I shrink back.
This has always bothered me because even when we think we are strong, we are found to be weak. A great example of this is Peter, he confidently exclaimed in Matthew 26:33, “Even though all may fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Peter was so confident, yet was found to be weak.
As I was studying this I realized I was looking at this from the wrong perspective. In Matthew 10:19-20 Jesus said, “But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”
Jesus said it is not you, but the Spirit of your Father. Of course I will not have what it takes and I don’t have to, God does!
Zachariah 4:6 states, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts.”
This is a great post, Kristi, and one that is close to my heart. I have supported Voice of the Martyrs since 1992 and have read, I believe, every single newsletter of theirs since that time. I have read multitude stories on severe persecution and have asked the same question you did: How would I handle it if it comes my way. I have come to the same conclusion you did: God will take us through it; it is He working through the Holy Spirit that will give us the strength we need. I also see this in play in the accounts I read of Christians who were burned to death at the stake … they sang during the ordeal! How could this have been the case had God not been with them? Thank you for sharing this post, and more Christians need to consider the possibility that severe persecution could be ours one day; yes, even here in the West.
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As the apostle Paul stated, it’s in our weakness we’re made strong. We’re totally reliant on Christ at our weakest, and I faithfully believe the Lord will enable us to withstand the evil one.
Blessings, Crystal
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At least in Delhi (India), we have police pickets posted outside every Christian places of worship to prevent untoward incidents. This was done on government directive after attacks on such places by miscreants. We can worship freely. Thank God and praise be to His holy name.
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