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Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints
Psalm 116:15
Persecution, in all forms, results in a variety of effects. While it is hard for us to see persecution as a good thing, good things can come from it.
Persecution strengthens
That's right, persecution can strengthen. Have you ever been persecuted? I'm not talking about physical torture... I'm talking about the looks, the snide remarks, and the back-stabbing that happen to you because of your faith. Have you noticed that they strengthen your walk with the Lord and give you a renewed engery? When bad things happen to us, we naturally turn to the LORD and renew our relationship with Him. We draw strength from that relationship. Therefore, in almost all cases, persecution has the capacity to strength us!
Persecution cleanses
Persecution does cleanse. Persecution separates those who will stand up for the LORD from those who will back away and be silent. It separates the real from the false, the wheat from the tares. The hypocrisy is gone, the sin is gone, the slothfulness is gone, the laziness is put away. Only strong believers are able to stand up against real persecution. And hence...
Persecution causes revival
Yes, persecution causes revival! Throughout history, when persecution begins, so does the spread of the gospel. When it is illegal to share your faith, or when you must sacrifice personal luxury to to share your faith, people stand up and listen. It offers more authenticity to what you have to say, does it not? Countries with strong persecution see a great increase of Christianity.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in
Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
My friends, will you stand with me? Will you stay in the Word, and stay on your knees, so that you will be ready if and when the time comes? Unless you are walking with the Lord, you will not be able to stand!
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