From Any Direction

Psalms 119:157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.

"I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." These are the Words of Jesus in John 16:33. They serve as a reminder that in this world the born again believer will not escape persecution. The reality of persecution and suffering is that it can come from any direction. It will come when we choose to do those things that are right before God, and contrary to the world's view and ways, and the opinions of others. Not only could it come from an enemy, but it could also come from family, friends, and even brothers and sisters in Christ. In Psalms 41:9 and 55:12-13, David agonized over the persecution that came from those he called friends. The persecution that comes from an enemy can be difficult enough to deal with, but when it comes from someone who is supposed to be a person who loves you, the pain can be far too much to bear. Sadly, it is this kind of betrayal that causes some people to push away from Christ and the church. When others see this, especially if they are not saved, it causes them to repel from the Gospel, and use "hypocrisy" as an excuse to reject God's truth. For us who are the persecuted, we must remain faithful to the Word of God and to God Himself. It is our duty to pray for those who betray us, and even love them. We must not move away from the Word, but instead we should draw nearer to God and His Word. Regardless of the source of our persecution, we must remember that if we suffer persecution unjustly, for Jesus' sake, then our reward in Heaven will be great. Matthew 5:11-12 tells us, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).