Enduring Persecution

Acts 9:16
“I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

These are the words of Jesus to Ananias when Saul of Tarsus had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Though Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, resorted to flight several times in his missionary work, he did not try to avoid persecution as a life style practice.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Paul outlines and describes the repeated persecution he had endured for Christ.

The Bible and history are replete with examples of those who in the will of God refused to flee but stayed and endured the persecution to the point of self-sacrifice and even martyrdom.

Fleeing is not the only option when persecution strikes.
There are times when God’s will is for us to stay and face the music!

Let us stay in tune with God’s Spirit
so that we will know what responses He wants us to make.

Help me Lord to be aware of Your purposes
in the events and challenges of my life.