I have told you all these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy], I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished. My victory abiding.] John 16:33 Amplified
Aren’t you glad Jesus included these challenging, yet comforting words. I want to remind each of us that He already knew exactly the tribulations, the distress and any suffering that you will face as a believer. They have not caught Him unaware, but He not only was aware of it, but I believe He tries to prepare us for them. He is that good of a Father. We are often too much like little children and don’t pay attention to these lessons!
Last week, in Faith and Reality Check I share the ongoing story of my Messenger friend, Mary in India. Her husband and father in law were arrested for preaching conversion. It is now against the law to preach “conversion” or the gospel in at least 11 of the 28 states in India. Mary and her family live in one of these states. Recently in their state, the political climate grew more hostile to Christians, as radical Hindus were elected. It became one of their agenda’s to persecute evangelicals who try to share the gospel. They went to court this Tuesday, and were released on bail with the strict understanding that they are prohibited from meeting in their home for worship services.
My mornings devotion just happened to lead me to Matthew 10:16. Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other believers about me. Matthew 10:33:16-18. NLT. I have read these verses every time I read through the Bible. I think about the early believers who were martyred for our faith. Those that stood in the arenas and were used for entertainment. I think about those who have been arrested for their faith in communist countries. My heart gets heavy. I pray for them…but then my life moves on. The verb tense Jesus uses in these scriptures are very clear. You will stand trial. It not only will happen, but it is happening. If you were arrested, would you see this as an opportunity to share the gospel with those who might not otherwise hear? It is a high price. One of my friends was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During her hospitalization, many nurses and staff came into her room drawn by the peace and joy they found there. People they would never have come into contact with, except for this tribulation. God used it to encourage many.
My thoughts this morning naturally turned to my friend and her situation in India. Their lawyer is warning them that this will be a long ordeal. They could face a long jail term or even life sentences. Jesus’ words continue in Matthew 10. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say, God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who are speaking–it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. It is their time to be before the courts, it is their time to choose to lean into this promise. I am praying they will lean into Jesus’ words and be bold and courageous.
But I am also thinking about myself. How would I fare during such a trial? Reading Paul’s statements in 2 Timothy3:10-13 gives us more direction and the reality of persecution. But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra–but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. 2 Timothy 3:10-14. NLT. My friends, we must not be afraid to read and study these parts of the scripture. We must not gloss over them, thinking they are for someone else. If we don’t need them today, then pray for those that do.
Another reason I am writing on this topic is the hope we will equipping the next generation. The spiritual climate in our own nation is changing. I don’t know what it will look like when my own grandchildren are my age, but I know we need to equip them. Paul freely shared with Timothy not only the truth of his persecution and suffering, but he did it with the desire to encourage him to persevere. It is imperative that we teach the next generation how to boldly walk in faith and courage. It is a legacy we must model not just talk about.
My friends, please keep praying for all those being persecuted for their faith…either in big ways or smaller ways. Job discrimination, family estrangement, intimidation and other forms of oppression are occurring in many believers lives. God wants to be a very present help in these kinds of troubles as well. I encourage you to take the time to read the rest of Matthew 10. You will find wonderful words not only that challenge, but strengthen. God’s Word is one way He helps prepare us for any test ahead. Let’s become even better students.
Father, I pray again for all our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their stand and belief in you. I ask you to strengthen their resolve to be a light in the midst of their darkness. I pray good fruit will be born through their tribulation and suffering. Equip us to stand, in Jesus’ name, amen.
If you would like to send any support to Mary Kishor and her family situation. Here is her PayPal account. marymessiah@yahoo.com. If you want to become her FB friend: Connect with Mary Kishor. Thank you.
Faith Encounters 