Persecution is one of the most sobering
realities of life for a Christian. While many people think of persecution as
physical torture and prison, in fact, persecution can take many other, much
less dramatic, shapes; denial, ridicule, exclusion, false charges, stifled
careers, shattered relationships, and wounded feelings simply because one
chooses to live out the truth of God in his life. For a great number of people,
life as a Christian means life under persecution.
Nonetheless, there is a biblical viewpoint that
opposes the nature of mankind. Instead of hopelessness, anger, and withdrawal,
there is a call to rejoice. Feelings are not desensitized to pain but instead
indicate that God knows that persecution, while painful, is ultimately useful
unto eternity. The Holy Bible always reveals that persecution is never random,
nor is it unseen, nor is it wasted when it is handled by God.
Rejoice Because God Is Testing
You
Persecution comes unexpectedly, disturbing
comfortable circumstances, times in which one finds himself vulnerable. It
seems unjust, especially if one is attempting righteous living. Yet, the
Scriptures show persecution is not a lack of absence of God’s presence but a
proof of purging us of weaknesses.
“Beloved, think it not
strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 KJV
God permits trials to show up, so as to secure
and develop our faith. Fire may refine gold, but persecution refines belief. It
causes believers to see where their trust is really placed: upon the approval
and security of his presence and in God alone. Persecution strips away the
external supports in which believers were resting.
To rejoice in testing is not to deny pain.
Sorrow, tears, and fear are involved. To rejoice is to believe that God is
working through the test to bring about endurance, humility, obedience, and
spiritual power.
"Knowing this, that the
trying of your faith worketh patience." — James 1:3 (KJV)
Testing conditioned believers for further
spiritual accountability and eternal blessings. God always tests His children
for a reason.
Rejoice Because You Share
Christ’s Sufferings
Perhaps the most profound truth found within
the aspect of Christianity is that of believers’ unity with Christ not just
within salvation but also within suffering. Persecution brings believers into
fellowship with the sufferings of Christ.
“If the world hates you, ye
know that it hated me before it hated you.” - John 15:18 (KJV)
Jesus was rejected, misunderstood, wrongfully
accused, humiliated, and crucified. Whenever believers go through persecution,
they are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye
are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.” - 1 Peter 4:13 (KJV)
Suffering with Christ is something to be
esteemed, rather than something to be embarrassed about—it’s something that
indicates you belong to Christ. Suffering with Christ means you resemble Christ
enough to get the world’s attention. Joy springs from the fact that to suffer
with Christ is to reign with Christ.
Rejoice Because God Is with You
Persecution tends to be isolating and depressing.
Casual acquaintances may drift away, family members may misunderstand, and the
community may turn hostile. In those times, loneliness may be overwhelming. In
the scripture, however, God’s presence is always assured.
"I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
The presence of God is not something
theoretical but something experiential. During the period of persecution, it is
common testimony of many Christians that the presence of God becomes nearer
than before.
"When thou passet
through the waters, I will be with thee." — Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)
God does not offer a guarantee against pain but
a companion for the journey. His presence makes the pain of persecution
manageable rather than unbearable.
Rejoice in Knowing God Is
Glorified
God’s glory can be made known in a special way
in the midst of persecution. God’s power can be seen, and His glory made known,
in ways in which comfort never could.
"If ye be reproached
for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God
resteth upon you."—1 Peter 4:14 (KJV)
The world looks for payback, bitterness, or
failure. But a Christ-like response is a surprise to these expectations and
exalts God. Persecutors may be confronted with the reality of God through a
believer’s endurance.
Suffering endured with faith is testimony. God
is glorified through His people standing firm when facing opposition.
Rejoice Because Justice Is Near
Often, persecution seems unjust. False charges,
inequalities, and cruelty that go unpunished can cause believers to wonder if
ever justice will prevail at the end of the day. The Bible removes this doubt
with clarity.
“Shall not the Judge of all
the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25 (KJV)
God witnesses all the injustices. Not a single
persecution goes unnoticed by God. Even though justice is delayed, it will
never be denied.
“Vengeance is mine; I will
repay, saith the Lord.” - Romans 12:19 (KJV)
Believers have reason to rejoice because
suffering lasts only for a season, but God’s righteousness is forever. The
faithful will receive eternal blessings.
“Blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Matthew 5:10 (KJV)
Conclusion
Persecution hurts, but it is not pointless.
Persecution is used by God as a test of faith, a Church union with Christ, a
revelation of his presence, glorying in his name, and a seal of ultimate
justice. To rejoice in persecution is not to deny pain but to affirm
sovereignty.
What was meant for bad, God used for good.
Trials only serve to cleanse and strengthen your faith, hope, and assurance in
Christ. And in the long run, the suffering experienced for Christ will be
proven to be far from in vain. Persecutions might come a thousand time, but
your steadfastness on the form rock which is Jesus Christ, our anchor, will help
your light burn brighter in your journey of the Christian faith. Keep your eyes
on the cross and you shall surely be triumphant even unto the last days.
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