Are You Suffering from Persecution?

Are you suffering from persecution today? God before the foundation of the world chose us to be His children, and as we see in scripture, as His children we will suffer persecution. Philippians 1:29 "for to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

We see in scripture there are many who suffered for Christ's sake, some survived and others gave their lives for Christ.
~ Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because of his beliefs and practices, but God delivered him (Daniel 6:15-23).

~ His three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were condemned to death in a burning fiery furnace because they would not bow to an idol, but God miraculously spared their lives (Daniel 3:8-29).

~ David Constantly cried out to the Lord for deliverance from his enemies (Psalm 7:1-2; 18:17-19).

~ Stephen was stoned to death because of His beliefs (Acts 7:51-70).
It has always been this way. It began with Cain and Abel. 1 John 3:11-12 "For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous."

Persecution did not stop; Christians today are facing persecution every day. One thing we can be sure of is that God is there through every fiery trial, through every persecution, through every moment of our day to help carry us and support us, to redeem us whether it is in this lifetime or in Heaven. Lean on Christ during these trying times!