By: Lisa Wilmore
Are you being or have been persecuted for Christ’s sake? Are your struggles heavier because you refuse to conform to the way of the world? Is there an attack on you because of your belief and confession of Jesus Christ? Perhaps, people don’t like you because you refuse to live outside of his principles. In fact, they label you as a “goody two shoes” or you think you’re better than others. Well, if you have not already suffered persecution or mistreatment, you will at some point in your life. As Jesus sent out his twelve disciples, he prepared them for persecution that would vex their lives because of acknowledgement of him. He shared with them the following words, “ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22).
Allow me to encourage your hearts on today. Although you are troubled on every side, perplexed and persecuted, God will take care of you. Jesus told the twelve disciples to “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul…are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father…fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:28a;29;31). He informed them that persecution and opposition would come. But during their time of worldly persecution, they could be confident that Jesus overcame the world.
Yes, our perishable bodies may suffer, but God will not leave us. As we go through humiliations, trials and tribulations, Christ has the opportunity to show the world who we truly belong to. My brothers and sisters, Jesus declared our value and worth by suffering, dying, and conquering death for our sins. Through him we have eternal life. Therefore, as you share him with others, don’t be fearful of the troubles set before you. Because he takes care of sparrows, he will take care of us. We are of more worth than many sparrows.
God enlightens us through his word to not allow criticism to hinder our witnessing. Although we are ridiculed and lied on, we must remain faithful to the cause of sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ. Paul recorded in 2 Corinthians, “for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (4:17). So, rest in eternal life that God has given us through Christ Jesus. He declared our worth!
