Afflictions and persecutions

What sufferings have I not been exposed to Antioch, Iconium, Lystra ? What persecutions did I not endure ? And the Lord has delivered me from all. 2 Timothy 3.11

When you obey God, you can be sure of two things. The first is that God will bless you. The second is that the devil will try to stop you. Paul says : "All who live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Jesus said in the parable of the Sower that suffering and persecution will come because of the Word.

"Do not be surprised or surprised when suffering and persecution come."

Satan is not just trying to stop you ; he tries to stop those whom you will reach with the Word of God. Satan wants believers to be quiet in the midst of affliction and persecution. It's easier to stand for God's things when you're in church, but what about when you're not there ? Will you raise your head outside the church saying : "I am a Christian ?"

Sufferings are tests caused by situations. Persecutions are means of pressure brought by people. At the same time that God is doing His will on Earth, Satan is trying to fulfill his own will. If you have not yet experienced suffering or persecution, it will probably happen to you at some point. Just remember that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

An application for today

Do not be surprised or surprised when suffering and persecution happen. Simply praise God and mock the devil because he is already a defeated opponent.

Keith Butler

Source (The Thought of the Day)