Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  Many Christians are being mistreated, tortured, and killed because of their faith in Jesus.

Is it possible, for those of us who have not experienced persecution of any significance, to prepare in advance for persecution in the future?

If you have not read Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 1) or Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 2), you may want to read those posts before proceeding with this current post.

Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 3)

I doubt that anyone can really be fully prepared ahead of time for the unknown.  Scripture does, however, give us words of encouragement as we anticipate the future.  Reflect on the following points:

• Do not be anxious.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34 ESV)

… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

• Reflect on what God is doing in your life.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

• Know that God will never leave or forsake you.

… he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. … Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1 & 4 ESV)

• Know that God can provide you with the armor that you will need.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)

• Pray and persevere

 … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, … (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)

• Know that suffering for Christ is a privilege, not a penalty.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)

• Don’t lose heart if you are being persecuted for Christ’s sake.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 ESV)

• Know that those persecuted for Christ’s sake will be rewarded in heaven.

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23 ESV)

• Know that, in the end, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus will spend eternity in heaven.

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3 ESV)

 

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

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