Losing is not fun. Being picked on is no fun. Being the butt of other people’s jokes is no fun. And because we live in a world that is obsessed with fun and self indulgence Christianity is no fun. Christianity, in the eyes of the world is for losers. It’s for those who can’t stand on their own and who need a crutch. Christians are easy to pick on, easy to joke about because they are intolerant and narrow minded. Christians are easy to attack because they stand out a mile away.
But of course there are so called believers trying to make Christianity fun, by not talking about sin and judgement, by revamping worship services to be pleasing to the world, by preaching feel good sermons and even by running services or seminars on how to have better sex with your spouse and so on. But unbeknown to these believers is the unnerving truth that as Christians we are to expect persecution and trouble in this world. Jesus said it clearly, ’In this world you will have trouble.’’ Paul told Timothy that we can expect persecution if we desire to live a righteous life for Jesus. Of course we will. The evil one controls the non believers of this world. When he sees Christ in us and is threatened or worried that we may have an impact in the lives of those around us, he will stir up persecution to deter us and to seek to stop us shining the light of Jesus. The more serious we are about shining the light of Jesus (in word and deed), the more we will face persecution.
But even in the midst of persecution we can breathe easy. We can be confident that God will rescue us from every evil attack and will bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom. Nothing or no one in this world will undo your salvation in Christ Jesus. Please hear this verse carefully. God is not saying He will spare your life all the time. He is saying that He will bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom. When your time is up, God will call you home and welcome you with open arms. You will be in God’s presence for all eternity. You will see the Lord and His glory. Nothing can take that away from you. Go forth today in the confidence that comes from knowing that God is in complete control.
Prayer:
- Pray that God would encourage the believers in Pakistan with 2 Tim 4:18 as they endure harassment, economic sanctions and negative treatment from other religions. Pray that the preachers and teachers would be able to encourage the flock with their eternal salvation.
- Pray that we would have opportunity to go forth into mission and ministry with confidence and boldness knowing that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. Pray for the ministries and outreaches of your church that are particularly close to your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment