God's Promises: When Persecuted

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 -

Even before in the old times, persecution was not uncommon. It was happening in the time of Moses, the time of Jesus, the time of Paul, up until now. Christians are being persecuted all the time. They are persecuted for their beliefs, their values, their way of life, and their persistence in fighting for God. But despite of being persecuted, we know that their purpose is for our benefit.  That despite of the harm brought upon us because of our faith, we endure for we know that they have helped us grow spiritually. They have allowed us to share them so that people will know that God saves. To inspire and move people that from the suffering that we have experienced, God has saved and blessed us from all of it.

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." - Psalm 37:1-2 -

God tells us not to be worried, annoyed, or irritated because of the evil things that are happening around us. Nor should we become envious of the people who do wrong. For when all things come to pass, only good things will prevail and all those evil things will soon die away.

Nowadays, most of the people's means of pleasure and fun are booze, immorality, wasted partying, drugs, gossip, and worthless talks. Sometimes one has to decide between going out and hanging out with friends thinking that it's harmless fun in contrast with keeping up with your integrity, values, beliefs, and faith according to God. The thought of hanging out with friends and to be not left out is somehow enticing but provides short term pleasure. Gradually and slowly, it consumes you and drifts you far away from where you are supposed to be going. What seems to be harmless fun can have a profound impact on you. It affects your body, your mind, your heart, and most especially your soul. Little by little, it tears you apart and before you knew it, you watch your life unfold gradually wasted away. But then again, if you choose the road less travelled, it can be difficult and lonely. You feel left out. You wish you can be with them. You also want to have fun. You feel envious. But just as the verse above states, you don't have to fret or be envious about those things. For God is with you and he provides you with far greater joy compared to short term pleasures and happiness this world brings. When God is in your life and you are living for Him, you know that it is not in vain and your life is not wasted away. You are living for someone far greater than anyone or anything in this world. And this gives you hope. For in Him, there is eternal life and when all things come to pass, you can confidently face Him as you live and trust your life in Him.

"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." - Matthew 5:10-12 -

When I was a kid I used to think that Jesus Christ's Beatitudes was for a different set of people. I was thinking that each blessing was for each kind of person. Like there are some people who are meek while others are peacemakers. I tend to categorize that these people are different from each other. I would then pick one trait to receive the blessing associated with it. 

As I grew maturely, little did I know that all these traits are the traits of a faithful Christian. All the blessings mentioned in these verses are everything that a Christian will obtain given those traits. They co-exist with one another and they are not just of a certain set of people. Rather, they speak of what a Christ-like person is. Not just traits, but the things mentioned in here like being persecuted or insulted are the things that happen in a Christian's life. 

When these things happen, it's not because God wants you to suffer for no reason at all. It's because God wants to show you that despite of all these things, He is always there for you. He doesn't want you to give up. Rather, he wants you to endure patiently for Him for great is your reward in heaven and it is a sure thing that you will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. " - 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 -

Living a Christian life can be difficult. You have to give up a lifestyle or way of thinking that contradicts your Christian faith and deviates you from the path to everlasting life. You have to be willing and be prepared to suffer for God's Holy Name. But all these things are nothing compared to the everlasting joy that God provides. When you keep Jesus Christ inside your hearts, you will not be thinking about these things anymore. They wouldn't matter anymore. Because you set your heart, mind, and soul to something even greater and higher. When Jesus Christ has touched your life, you will have a new way of looking at things. You will have a never fading hope and you will be filled by God's Holy Spirit which sustains you every single day.

"And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering  as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." - 2 Timothy 1:11-12 -

Each and everyone of us has a purpose in this world. God has given us plenty of blessings enough so that we can live His purpose for us. And as we are called to His purpose, there will be corresponding sufferings that are associated with it. We have to carry on our own crosses and share the sufferings of Christ. For just as we suffer along with Him, we will also rejoice with Him when He proclaims His new kingdom and banish evil everywhere. To disclose one's sufferings and pains can somehow be humbling yet humiliating. But knowing God's promises and believing in Him, we know that we have nothing to be ashamed of.

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." - 1 Peter 3:13-14 -

I think this verse is pretty clear. Who is going to harm you if are doing what is good? If you are doing your best for God's glory? God is there to always protect and take care of us that He does not let anyone harm us. But this doesn't mean that we will not encounter pain and sufferings along the way. For God did not create the first earth to be like heaven where everything is perfect. But even so, it says here that we are blessed when bad things happen to us when what we are doing is for His glory; when we are suffering for what is right. For we know that when this first earth fades away, the righteous will be victorious and the evil will be banished from all the lands. It also states do not fear what men can do. Rather, fear the Lord for what He can do. When evil things surround you, you just have to trust and hope in Him for it will not be in vain. He always saves. He always protects. How many times have I experienced when I am in a pinch or when I feel that danger is just around the corner. When these things happen, I think of God. 'Lord, I put my trust in you. That no matter happens, I know that you are always there for me. And I pray that whatever happens to me, my faith and love for you will not falter. Rather, it will become stronger than ever.