Written by Eric R
"But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad." (Exodus 1:12)
(Acts 11:19-21)
"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as ...preaching the Lord Jesus.
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord."
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good..."(Romans 8:28)
We live in a time of intolerance, hate, false accusation, and condemnation. This kind might look new in specific regions and countries which had unity and harmony in the past. These had happened in many parts of the world throughout history, right from the days of the early Church.
God is our refuge, and He is a God of justice. The excellent sign we see at present is no Christian leaders raise their voice, and no believer expects such defense because all those who have accepted Christ as their personal savior have unshakable solid faith in Him. God is our defender.
It doesn't stop there, and believers understand that we must face injustice and undergo persecution and, more importantly, forgive our enemies and bless those who curse.
On the other side, we could see journalists, psychologists, politicians, and common people who don't follow Christ speak the good deeds and service done by the missionaries and Christians. They analyze and establish the difference the downtrodden received in terms of respect, health, wealth, medication, and good education through the service done by the Christian community. Let men see your good deeds and glorify the Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
These developments, such as hate speech and false accusations, haven't surprised anyone but are expected to happen. These were prophesied thousands of years before in the Holy Bible.
I come across some believers who worry, saying why they are in this world at this point. Be assured; God had predestined our time. He had seen us even before the world was formed and before we were formed in our mother's womb. They also fear what to talk about when haters target blatantly and how to tolerate persecution.
Of course, it is impossible to face these even by a firm believer with his physical strength and strong mind. That is the very reason God has given us the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
When the people in authority summon us, we needn't fear about what to talk, because Holy Spirit will prompt us. (Matthew 10:20)
When Holy Spirit comes upon us, He will empower us and make us a witness (Acts 1:8)
Peter, who feared to stand as a witness before three, proclaimed that Jesus is Christ before many, and God saved three thousand through his preaching and then multitudes. The reason was they stayed in Jerusalem and received the power of the Holy Spirit.
It wouldn't have been easy for Stephen when people stoned him to death. He might have lost sight and bleeding, and his bones might have fractured. But, the Holy Spirit in him empowered him and opened his spiritual eyes to see the glory of God.
He knew his suffering was incomparable before the glory he would enjoy shortly. He could forgive them and spoke similar to what Jesus did on the cross.
So, we needn't fear nor panic; fear is opposite to faith; Jesus said, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"
Tell your soul not to forget all the blessings, security, and favor God had done in the past. He is faithful enough to do so till we live on planet earth. Not only that, His kingdom will be established and expanded.
When Jesus was resurrected His disciples asked whether He would establish His kingdom. But, Jesus said that His kingdom doesn't belong to this earth. Let's have such clarity and continue to run this race.
Please meditate on the quoted Bible verses; certainly, God will help your unbelief and make you more than the conqueror.
May God bless you.
