Have you ever felt as if those who are closest to you understand you the least? Their words have a way of cutting to the core. Or, perhaps you are constantly being targeted by unbelievers in the workplace, singled out by mockers who make a point of pointing fingers at you because of your faith. Maybe you are one who is openly ridiculed because of your determined and committed walk with Jesus Christ. And, perhaps you are on who has endured physical and emotional pain simply for holding true to your confession of faith.
Regardless which category you fall into, it’s not uncommon for a true believer to face some form of ridicule for the sake of Christ. It comes in many forms but the source of the attack is the same in all cases. This has been the scheme of the enemy since the time of righteous Abel; it has been ongoing from the beginning of time and it will continue until the Lord comes again. Persecution takes many forms, but it always has the potential to make you stronger. God allows us to go through persecution so we will seek Him more, so He can reveal Himself to us in greater measure, and so we will see a greater extent of His great mercies toward us.
There is an attitude in many Christian communities today that we as Christians are to live above ridicule, poverty, defamation, hardship, etc. The Word of God is full of examples of some of the strongest men and women of God enduring great adversity. But, then why are those who suffer in such manner “Blessed” according to our verse today?
If you encounter such opposition in your daily life, friend, count it a blessing that you are found worthy to suffer persecution. Stand firm, and take the example of our Lord as He stood in front of His accusers, and be silent. Allow God to fight the battle for you as you cling to Matthew 5:11 … “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” (Matthew 5:11)
Remember, the battle is the Lord’s, not ours. Endure persecution and be blessed, for this life shall quickly pass. Any form of persecution is a small price to pay for the glory that awaits us in our eternal home.
Father, help me endure whatever adversity comes my way, whether it be ridicule, name-calling, false accusations, misunderstandings, or whatever. Lord, help me to excel in virtue regardless of what men say to me, think about me, or do to me. Help me to remember that I am blessed; that vengeance is Yours and the battle is Yours! Father, be glorified in my life, my attitudes, my actions, my words, my thoughts, and my deeds. Amen!
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29)
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