"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." - 1 Peter 2:21-23
Some time ago I watched a "Voice of the Martyrs" video that followed a group of teenagers who were on a V.O.M. visit to Vietnam. At one point they asked a Christian leader if he felt anger when the authorities would often tear up his ministry center. He responded without any ill feeling, that he was committed to reach his world for Christ, no matter how much opposition came his way. He entrusted himself to the Lord and stayed on point.
Persecution of any kind will bear witness to genuine faith and real discipleship. Every committed Christian leader knows that there will be suffering for their faith and opposition in their ministry. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:12, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted". Jesus is our example in this matter, as he suffered without retaliation or threats. He entrusted himself to the divine purpose and stayed on point.
My brethren, we're in a battle led by the Captain of our salvation. We will be persecuted and oppressed at every point. While some will suffer great loss and others will suffer humiliation or disappointment, just keep on committing your way to the Chief Shepherd. As David wrote in Psalm 37:5-6, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Entrust yourself to the Lord my friend, and STAY ON POINT!
~ PJVS
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