Tag Archives: persecution

No More Tears

Posted in Bible Study by

“He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. Isaiah‬ ‭25:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

IMG_1515We often look at this scripture as reference to the afterlife; I believe it is also relevant to this life.

The people of Israel have always had to fight for their promised land. Even though God gave them the land, their enemies didn’t give up  without resistance. They still face rebuke and prejudice from other nations.

Satan, our enemy, doesn’t give up without a fight either. I often hear people talk about “all Hell breaking loose” after giving their lives to Christ. It only makes sense. Satan hates God, and we are His children. As long as we are submitting to Satan he has no reason to come against us.

While this passage was written long before the birth of Christ, it pointed to a time when God’s people will finally have peace.

Jesus first came as a lamb, but will return as the lion of Judah. The Word tells us, He will rule and reign on Earth for a thousand years, followed by the creation of a new Heaven and Earth. (Revelation 20) Those who gave their lives for the gospel will be resurrected to reign with Christ.

I’m going through a really tough time emotionally right now. This verse gives me hope. Whether I live to see the Lord’s return or not, I know that ultimately He will wipe away my tears. In fact, I can go to Him in prayer, crawl up in His lap, and allow Him to comfort me as a loving Father.

I also know when I breathe my last breath on Earth I will breathe my first in eternity. Jesus has conquered death. It is no longer an end, simply a transition.

As for rebuke, it hurts when someone we love scoffs at our faith. It’s not fun to be ridiculed or persecuted, but Paul told us to count it all joy. (James 1:2) God will reward our faithfulness; more importantly we have an opportunity to be a living witness, if we respond appropriately.

PRAYER:
Lord, you are a good Father. I am thankful I can run to You when life is hard. Though You have not promised an easy life, You have promised to be with me through it all. I can trust You will never abandon me.

Thank You for being my comforter, giver of life and for turning rebuke into joy, tears into laughter.

AMEN

Shielded Through Suffering

Posted in Spiritual Growth by

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans‬ ‭8:31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 
IMG_1452This is one of those verses that can be very confusing when you read it “out of context.” At first glance it sounds as if this is a guarantee against defeat. 

Jesus said the world would hate us, because it hated Him. I have seen more animosity toward Christianity in the last ten years than my entire lifetime. While this may be a new concern in America, Christians around the world have suffered persecution for centuries. 

When we read this verse in context we find that this chapter speaks to the glory in suffering. We aren’t promised to be shielded from suffering, but rather through suffering. In comparison to the reward of eternity with the Lord our suffering seems trivial. In fact, suffering strengthens and purifies us. Psalms describes it as being refined by fire. 

We see in Roman 8 that NOTHING can separate us from the love of Christ, and even in death we are more than conquerors.

My take on this verse is this: If God be for me who cares who is against me! My life is His. I live for an audience of ONE. God alone is my judge, and Jesus is interceding FOR me.

PRAYER:
Lord, I am so thankful that nothing can separate me from Your love. I am thankful for the promise of Your continual presence. Knowing You will never leave me or forsake me gives me the courage to face this life. Thank You Lord for suffering in my place. You left the comfort of Heaven to purchase my redemption.

When life gets tough, remind me it’s temporary. Help me to be spiritually minded, which brings life and peace. Help me to have an attitude like Paul who considered suffering as unworthy to be compared to the glory that awaits us.

Jesus, thank You that You are interceding on my behalf before God. I know You will work all things together for my good. Thank You for making me a conqueror!