We are called born again when we receive Christ for the first time. That means that the state of our life has been wiped clean. A new creation we are, the Bible says (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, everything about our walk with God is new. And since we are new, we undergo training so as to grow in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, while we are new, we are not taught persecution until we mature to a certain level where we can stand on our two feet and put on the armour of God to face them (persecutions). What am I saying?
Being a Christian does not make you immune to persecution. Christ Himself was persecuted. The apostles from the early church were persecuted for their faith. Therefore, the modern-day Christian is not exempted at all. In fact, Christ warned us in John 16:33 when He said,
“These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Christ is admonishing us to be of good cheer when we are faced with tribulations or persecution because just as He overcame the world, so shall we stand in the face of persecution to overcome.
Be prepared for it
It has been established that every Christian is bound to face persecution. (see 2 Timothy 3:12). As children of God, we are to walk in Spirit and not in the ways of the world because this world is full of wickedness. 1 John 5:19 says,
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
From the above scriptures, God, in His marvellous love for us, warns us to be prepared to face the persecutions that will come so that we do not shut down our faith during those trying times but stand firm in our liberty in Christ. Therefore, we must stay guarded at all times, not letting people in on our secrets, so we do not fall victim to the schemes of this world.
Live wisely among unbelievers
Beloved in Christ, we ought to live wisely and honourably among unbelievers in every walk of life. See [Ephesians 5:15]. Thessalonians 4:11 says,
“That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your own hands as we commanded you.”
So, as it is written, we must strive to inspire everyone to concentrate on pleasing God in everything they do in life. When we read the story of Joseph, we quickly learn about how God showed him a dream where his brothers showed him reverence by bowing to him (this signified that he would eventually rule over them). We also quickly come to learn that even after this dream, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Throughout his story, we see the struggles he went through and in none of them did he ever question God or make a complaint to Him. In this same sense, we must be humble and diligent in our dealings with God.
Be anxious for nothing
Dear believer, no issue is difficult until you let it overtake your mind.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
As children of God, we must see to it that our lives do not overstep the doctrines and statutes of God. And this can only be achieved by prayer. Therefore, prayer must be a priority. Philippians 4:6-7 helps us to understand that in dire situations, we can find comfort in our hearts and minds only in God.
It is essential that we arm ourselves with the word of God at all times, for the Bible says it is the sword of the Spirit. That is the only thing that can help us through the perilous times ahead. We must harbour fear, for God is always with us.
