We Are Troubled

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I find great comfort in the above scripture. For often times I find myself wondering what I have done; just like David!

“And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭26:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I sometimes forget, that we will be persecuted for our love of God, and it will often come by those closest to us.

Then, I am reminded, by The LORD and I am encouraged. I am also commanded to love them, for they do not know, they are being used by the enemy.

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” ‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Often times the persecution comes in disguise. Sometimes it's pretty blatant! Either way our behavior must be different from the world's way. 

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”  2 Timothy‬ ‭3:10-11‬ ‭KJV

Our deliverance from The LORD may be just in the understanding of "why", which is great comfort in itself! Then again, encouragement may be tangible, as He pours out His love on you! 

Always we are to rejoice! 

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”  Matthew‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In many countries, the persecution of Christians may end in death. We may face that here too, someday, but for now we will face more subtle slights. Vocal attacks are the norm; the frequency and intensity will escalate in time! And we should count them all joy!

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James‬ ‭1:2-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The temptation to respond in the flesh; to take personal offense; to avoid the person is great, but the scripture is clear! If we want God to fight our battles, for us, we must do as directed in The Word!

And when we blow it, we must repent and confess our sin, for to do otherwise is sin! We repent of the unforgiveness and the judgments we've made, that insures we stay in fellowship with our Father. 

Father, I choose to walk today, in love, in forgiveness, and in repentance! I choose to keep my eyes on You, for You are my reward! I ask that you put a guard over my tongue and that I would only glorify You in the words I speak; may I speak in boldness. Let me be light; let me be salt; let me be Your love in this lost and dying world!

Even so - MARANATHA!