Persecution and the Will of God

CONSIDER THIS

Check out these statistics according to the Open Doors Watch List: 

• More than 360 million Christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination globally, which translates to roughly 1 in 7 Christians worldwide facing such challenges.
• Nearly 4,500 were killed for their faith in the past year. 
• Over 7500 churches were attacked. 
• At least 4750 were imprisoned for their faith. 
• More than 210,000 Christians were forced from their homes.

We don’t like to hear this, but Jesus predicted problems and persecution would come to His followers. Far from the prosperity gospel, He preached the persecution gospel.

God accomplishes His purposes through persecution and receives all the glory.

Paul doesn’t play around. He’s committed to doing the will of God and proclaiming Jesus everywhere. Several times people warn him, “Don’t go to Jerusalem.” So what does Paul do? He goes to Jerusalem. His friends probably think he’s foolish and reckless. Nothing could deter Paul from what God has for him next, even if it means persecution and prison and possible death. Paul allows God to do whatever He wants to do with His life. 

When we live out the will of God, we can expect persecution. We need to do what God wants us to do, even when it’s hard, even when it’s costly, because Jesus is worth it.