Daily Power #166

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt. 5:10–12)

If you are a believer in Jesus, you don’t have to wonder if you will ever be persecuted. You should just know that it comes with the territory.

For years I knew people would criticize me, but I usually only heard about it from a distance. Then one day, I saw it up close and personal. One Saturday morning a young guy, probably in his early twenties, rang our doorbell.

He was a new Christian going door to door to share his faith and invite people to his church. Not wanting to dampen his excitement, I told him I was very involved in my church but didn’t tell him I was a pastor. He finally slowed enough to ask me what church I attended. When I told him Life. Church, his face fell. He leaned in and said, “I heard the pastor of Life. Church doesn’t preach the truth—you should get out of that church right away!”

And there it was.

I found out that day that you don’t have to look for persecution. Sometimes it will knock on your front door. If we follow Jesus, we will be persecuted. That’s why I never worry when people persecute me for my faith in Christ. I only worry when they don’t.

Power Lift

Lord, help me to expect persecution to come my way when others see me following you. Help me to recognize it as a blessing, allowing it to draw me closer to you.