If you identify yourself as a Christian, you believe that Jesus is the way. He is where we get both eternal life and life to the fullest while here on earth. But when you commit to Jesus fully, what all are you getting? We often mention love, peace, joy, etc., but something that is rarely mentioned is the persecution that also comes with being a follower of Christ.
Following Jesus isn't always easy, especially in the fallen world we live in. It can be hard to shine a light when you feel like you are surrounded by darkness. But the light that lives in us is much bigger than the darkness will ever be. Satan knows this and so when we are seriously committed to Jesus, he likes to come along and try to stop us.
1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (ESV)
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (ESV)
If you have not chosen to accept Jesus' salvation and follow Him, you are following Satan by default. We are born into his world and make our own decisions on who to follow later in life. Those who are not Christians are controlled by Satan and their fleshly desires. Even Christians can be controlled by those things if they allow themselves to be. You will find that Satan uses the people at his disposal alongside the circumstances of life to continually persecute you.
Matthew 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (NIV)
Following Jesus isn't always easy, especially in the fallen world we live in. It can be hard to shine a light when you feel like you are surrounded by darkness. But the light that lives in us is much bigger than the darkness will ever be. Satan knows this and so when we are seriously committed to Jesus, he likes to come along and try to stop us.
1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (ESV)
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (ESV)
If you have not chosen to accept Jesus' salvation and follow Him, you are following Satan by default. We are born into his world and make our own decisions on who to follow later in life. Those who are not Christians are controlled by Satan and their fleshly desires. Even Christians can be controlled by those things if they allow themselves to be. You will find that Satan uses the people at his disposal alongside the circumstances of life to continually persecute you.
Matthew 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (NIV)
John 8:42-44 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (ESV)
I do not say all this to bring you down, but rather to encourage you. Sometimes when we are following the path of righteousness and bad things continue to happen to us, we question ourselves. I urge you to be honest with yourself, but also consider the fact that it might be the opposite problem. When you are doing things right, you pose a great threat to our enemy and he will try to knock you out if he can. Do not let him succeed. When you are persecuted it means that the Spirit of God is upon you. Keep on the path of righteousness against all odds and you will be rewarded.
2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (ESV)
John 15:18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (ESV)
1 Peter 3:13-17 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.(ESV)
1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (NIV)
Acts 4:19-20 “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (ESV)
John 15:18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (ESV)
1 Peter 3:13-17 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.(ESV)
1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (NIV)
Acts 4:19-20 “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (NIV)
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