Week 21, Day 4: Preparing for Persecution

Today’s Reading:  2 Timothy 4:1-22, Titus 1:1-16

Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…

In the religious world today, it is popular for preachers to tell people that if they will just join their church, or be obedient to their version of the gospel, they will never have to worry about problems in their life again.  They will never face tribulation, they will never face hard times, they will never face persecution.  They teach that in Christ is a complete financial security (some even teaching that you will have thousands of dollars in the bank if you are Christian).  But, this is completely contrary to all that God has told us in the New Testament.  Consider what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12.   Paul clearly tells us that all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution.  How can these “preachers” be so dishonest with the people they are trying to teach?

We need to remember that a part of being faithful to God will mean that persecutions will be hurled at us.  If we are conscious of these tribulations, then we will be far more prepared for them.  Those that think there will be no persecution will certainly not be ready for the persecutions that will most definitely come.  These persecutions will test us, and prove that we are indeed the children of God.  When we are tested, we will grow stronger.  The stronger we grow, the more dedicated we will be to God.

Never look at persecution as a bad thing.  Persecution serves an important role in our lives.  Look at each persecution that comes as an opportunity to grow and develop as a Christian!

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