Persecution

There is something I’ve noticed lately…. Christians in other countries that aren’t technically allowed to have church meetings or even act like they are followers of Christ fight a lot harder than those of us in free countries to serve and honor our Lord. This isn’t new, it’s not something I haven’t seen before, but the question is… do those of us who desire to have a true fellowship with Christ really know what it means to live in a persecuted land?

Sunday a young man who I have watched struggle with his understanding of what relationship with God is… openly and honestly admitted that right now he dreads coming to church. A few months ago that was entirely different for him, things change, emotions change… that’s why it’s so important not to depend too heavily on emotions or emotional highs. It is so important to remember that daily, DAILY letting go of all our worries, letting God have control and truly allowing Christ to be our focus instead of “well, what am I going to do today” or “what is my purpose today.” It sure is easier, to lean on Christ when things are tough, when our world falls apart and it’s equally easy to simply rely on self when things are going just as we would like. It’s simple: Just remember that all these good things, these blessings are a result of our personal work. OUR effort has brought us to this good time in our lives, that all bills are covered and the roof over our heads is not leaking, or that the car we have is fully tuned and functional.

When the bottom drops out, when our freedoms are in the least bit infringed upon... we kick and scream and shout, "not fair, give me my liberty" we don't want persecution, we are too afraid.

So when I ask again, do those of us who desire to have a true fellowship with Christ really know what it means to live in persecution?

I have watched videos of children who lived in these countries, they were tortured some to the point of death, others were executed. I hear the faintest note that we who are free ASK God to bring persecution upon us if that’s what it takes to keep us in communion with God.

Here’s the counter-claim, we sure do pitch a fit when our lives fall apart… we sure do beg and plead for God’s mercy and for God to simply give us our good lives back… so what should we really be asking for?

God, whatever it is you want of me, give me the eyes to see you are always there no matter the harshness of the circumstances.