Persecution: Lesson 1 | Day 4

If you’re reading this living in the US, chances are you don’t experience the kind of persecution that is experienced by people your age all over the world. Sure, you might encounter some opposition and some discomfort. But it would be very remarkable for you to face death for your faith.

And yet, this is the reality for people all over the world each day.

All around the world, people will be assaulted or murdered for their faith. Today. Tomorrow. And every day after that, just for claiming to believe in Christ.

How does this make you feel? Have you ever thought about how you would respond if you were in their shoes? How does the persecution you encounter compare to the persecution they encounter?

OK, stop. I know, I know: you were only doing what I asked you to. But I want you to stop short of comparing your persecution to people who face death for their faith. See, you didn’t choose to be born in the US. You are where you are because of God’s sovereignty. The persecution you encounter is a result of your context. Being left out or made fun of is persecution, just like being assaulted is persecution. While there are different degrees, it’s all facing opposition for Christ’s name.

So, if you can’t compare, what are you supposed to do with this concept? Simple . . . You can pray daily for those people facing death and torture because they believe in Jesus. You can think about them. You can pray for them. And you can let them give you strength by their example.

Carry this concept with you today. Let it sink in. Think about it as you interact with others today.