Thursday, January 6, 2011

Persecution

       Will you be ready for persecution when it comes? Are you too attached to this life? This life is only a shadow of the things to come.

We have it so easy and we don't realize it. We say we're being persecuted when someone makes fun of us for our faith. But that's not true persecution. People always have and always will make fun of someone who believes or looks differently than they do.
       "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

       Are you ready for true persecution? Trust me, there will come a day when our faith will most definitely be tested. Are you ready?
       "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way the persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mathew 5:10-12)

       Some prophecies are already coming true. Jesus is coming back soon. Some will be martyred for their faith. Are you ready for that? I'm not saying you, specifically, will be martyred. But are you ready for anything? Do you love Jesus enough to die for Him? After all, did He not die for you? Are you ready to surrender YOUR wants and YOUR desires for the furthering of the gospel?
       "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." (2 Corinthians 4:8-12)
      
       When unbelievers test us, they see the fear in our eyes. They know we are afraid of what they think, of what they can do because of our faith. We can be witnesses to Him by showing that our trust and life is in God's hands.

       This life is NOT permanent. It's only a shadow of eternity. Where you spend eternity is what truly matters. Don't become too attached to this life. Don't love your life so much that you aren't willing to give it up for Him. He loves us soooo much and desires the best for us. He rewards our hard work. Let's give Him our hearts and desires.

       I want to die a martyr's death. I know it sounds pretty intense, but I want to go dying for something, whether it be for a friend, family, my nation The greatest blessing would be to die for Jesus. He gave His life for me. I should be willing to give me life for Him. Help me, Lord to have a heart like yours.

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