I recently heard a podcast giving statistics about the number of Christians in Nigeria that have been persecuted and martyred. It made me think about what it would be like for us if it began to happen here in the
United States. Truth be told – persecution is on the rise even here…. It comes in various forms like familial
push back about one’s faith in Christ (or at least not their “version” of it), legislative actions like hate
speech laws, conversion therapy illegalization, labelling someone Islamophobic, holier than thou, far
right, bible thumper – you get the idea. Of course, then as we see across the world, in other parts of it, people are beaten, ravaged, burned, beheaded, killed for confessing Christ. I am not sure American Christians
are ready for all that yet… but if trends are any indicator of it coming to our soil, we better get ready!
United States. Truth be told – persecution is on the rise even here…. It comes in various forms like familial
push back about one’s faith in Christ (or at least not their “version” of it), legislative actions like hate
speech laws, conversion therapy illegalization, labelling someone Islamophobic, holier than thou, far
right, bible thumper – you get the idea. Of course, then as we see across the world, in other parts of it, people are beaten, ravaged, burned, beheaded, killed for confessing Christ. I am not sure American Christians
are ready for all that yet… but if trends are any indicator of it coming to our soil, we better get ready!
To help us do just that, here is a simple devotional for us to read, study, and put into practice in preparation for persecution:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Persecution is not a sign of failure—it’s often a mark of faithfulness. Jesus never promised a life free of
hardship; in fact, He warned that following Him would invite opposition. But He also promised that we
would never face it alone. Whether it’s ridicule, rejection, or outright hostility, persecution tests the depth
of our trust in God. It reveals whether our faith is rooted in comfort or in Christ. The challenge is not just
to endure persecution, but to respond to it in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. This begs a question:
How can we respond to persecution in a godly way?
hardship; in fact, He warned that following Him would invite opposition. But He also promised that we
would never face it alone. Whether it’s ridicule, rejection, or outright hostility, persecution tests the depth
of our trust in God. It reveals whether our faith is rooted in comfort or in Christ. The challenge is not just
to endure persecution, but to respond to it in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. This begs a question:
How can we respond to persecution in a godly way?
Stay Anchored in Truth: Be sure you know what you believe and why. Persecution often targets uncertainty, so meditate on Scripture daily, letting God’s Word shape your perspective and know what to expect.
Don’t forget that the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17a), and swords are defensive
weapons used to stave off the enemy…. Remember, Jesus responded to Satan’s attacks with Scripture.
(Matthew 4:1–11)
Don’t forget that the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17a), and swords are defensive
weapons used to stave off the enemy…. Remember, Jesus responded to Satan’s attacks with Scripture.
(Matthew 4:1–11)
Respond with Grace, Not Retaliation: Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44) I know this is easier said than done; however, imagine if you saw your enemies
and or God’s enemies from Jesus’ point of view. How we respond to them could change everything! Besides I am sure you know that grace disarms hostility. And remember the example of Stephen, while being
stoned, he prayed for his persecutors. (Acts 7:60)
and or God’s enemies from Jesus’ point of view. How we respond to them could change everything! Besides I am sure you know that grace disarms hostility. And remember the example of Stephen, while being
stoned, he prayed for his persecutors. (Acts 7:60)
Rejoice in Your Identity: When the world or those who belong to it, they are identifying with the god of this
world, that is the devil. Not only do they reveal who they belong to, but their persecution of you also likewise confirms your identity as a child of God, that you belong to Christ and not this world. Remember,
you’re not alone – prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself were persecuted. The apostles rejoiced after being flogged, “counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:41)
world, that is the devil. Not only do they reveal who they belong to, but their persecution of you also likewise confirms your identity as a child of God, that you belong to Christ and not this world. Remember,
you’re not alone – prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself were persecuted. The apostles rejoiced after being flogged, “counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:41)
Lean into the Church community: Isolation magnifies suffering, but fellowship strengthens resolve. Share
your burdens with trusted believers who will pray for and encourage you to “stay the course!” Think about Paul who often wrote from prison, yet was sustained by the prayers and support of the church. Remember what Peter wrote: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are
being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm,
strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:9-10) After all “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if
one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
your burdens with trusted believers who will pray for and encourage you to “stay the course!” Think about Paul who often wrote from prison, yet was sustained by the prayers and support of the church. Remember what Peter wrote: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are
being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm,
strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:9-10) After all “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if
one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Keep an Eternal Perspective: Earthly suffering is temporary; but eternal glory is forever. Your reward is
not in escaping persecution, but in enduring it faithfully, even overcoming it’s evils with good! Apostle
Paul, who knows both sides of persecution was led by the Holy Spirit to record “Our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
not in escaping persecution, but in enduring it faithfully, even overcoming it’s evils with good! Apostle
Paul, who knows both sides of persecution was led by the Holy Spirit to record “Our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
I do not like to put words (especially prayers) in the mouths of others; nevertheless, this is an excellent
prayer when you are being persecuted (at whatever level it may be):
Father, when I face persecution, help me to respond with grace and truth. Remind me that I am not alone,
and that You are my defender and strength. Give me courage to stand firm, wisdom to speak with love,
and peace that surpasses understanding. May my life reflect Your glory even in the fire. Amen.
prayer when you are being persecuted (at whatever level it may be):
Father, when I face persecution, help me to respond with grace and truth. Remind me that I am not alone,
and that You are my defender and strength. Give me courage to stand firm, wisdom to speak with love,
and peace that surpasses understanding. May my life reflect Your glory even in the fire. Amen.
Pastor D.L. Barnett