Oftentimes it seems Christians tend to label persecution incorrectly.
For example, if Joe is slacking off at work and his employer calls him on it,
he may be tempted to say, “My boss is giving me a hard time because he
knows I’m a Christian.”
Actually, if his boss knows Joe is a Christian, it seems Joe would strive to
be the best employee in his department—just to shine for Christ!
Or if Jane spends excessively and unwisely, she may be tempted to say,
“God is really testing me with my finances. I never seem to have enough.”
No, it’s not God. And it’s not persecution. It’s negligence.
But there ARE times when Christians ARE persecuted. And when this
happens, we tend to think, Why? I’m obeying God! I don’t understand.
Scripture is clear that we will be persecuted. Check this out:
“It seems to me that God has put us who bear his Message on stage
in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We’re something
everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street.”
(1 Corinthians 4:9 Message)
And . . . “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted. . . .” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV)
That seems very clear, doesn’t it?
We’re told in James 1:2-4 that it can be a good thing when we experience
difficulties because we have an opportunity for God to develop us more
closely into whom He desires. Keep in mind, though, that difficulty isn’t
persecution.
Though I certainly don’t welcome tough times, I really do want to become
all God desires.
Each one of us can give examples of hardship due to Covid. I really
thought my Fall speaking schedule would remain intact. But I just keep
getting cancelation after cancelation due to Covid being on the rise in the
specific state I’m scheduled to speak.
Sigh.
To be vulnerable: It’s hard. I hate it. I wanna cry, “Wah, Wah, Wah.”
But Christ is teaching me to pray, “Father, what do You want to teach me
through this? Make me stronger. Bring me closer. Develop all You desire
within me.”
While I certainly don’t welcome tough times, I’m going to be very careful not
to label it persecution. It’s not.
It’s life.
But God walks with us through it.
And if and when we ARE persecuted?
He’ll walk us through that as well.
Thoughts?
______ ______ ______
Will you join me in praying for a full 2021 and 2022 schedule?
Some of my cancelations for 2020 have rescheduled for next year, and I’m
so grateful for that! Know what else I’m grateful for? Your precious prayers!
And YOU.
Love,
Susie
