I work for an international sports ministry, and our leaders around the world face trials and challenges we here in the United States generally do not. On the regular, I hear about ministry happening through war, government crackdowns on Christianity, and leaders going without transportation, resources, and sometimes even food for the sake of staying in what they believe is God’s calling to see their countries transformed by Jesus.
They face unimaginable circumstances, and yet the joy on their faces and in their hearts is unmatched. How can this be? How is it possible to be at peace when the situations around them are often in turmoil?
Because they are holding to the One who holds all things together.
In what we know as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave a new list of what it looked like to walk with Him. Each was counter to the culture of that day, leaning heavy on hardship, hurt, and humility. These blessed qualities also displayed a dependence on Him, a belief that He would restore justice and flood the world with His kingdom.
Jesus came to unseat the self-centered ways of the world and usher in the way of His Father. The Light of the World lit the corners of darkness and exposed them, and those in the world didn’t like it. Therefore, they wouldn’t like the ones who called on His name—that is, you and me.
Christians around the world who are persecuted and insulted for the name of Jesus don’t persevere because they are stronger in spirit or mind than others but because they have confidence in Christ and in an eternal kingdom we cannot yet see. They walk by faith, continuing through hardship, because they know this world is not their home. As exiles, they act as prophets to a sharp world that does not like them because it does not like Jesus, and they often receive punishment, isolation, and sometimes even imprisonment for their beliefs.
Yet Jesus called them blessed. Why?
Because they endure through suffering, through persecution, through trial and temptation with Jesus as their companion. The Spirit of the living God lives in them, and they know that nothing experienced here on earth can compare to the reward that awaits them in heaven.
May we learn from those who have gone before us and from our brothers and sisters around the world who wake each day ready to defend their faith, whatever the cost. May we pray for them, and may we ready ourselves for the moments when righteousness brings pain. Ours is the kingdom of heaven because of Jesus, our great reward and King.
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67 thoughts on "Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted"
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Persecution is ramping up in the US, has been for the last 2 decades, but still goes widely unnoticed. The stories don’t make the headlines. But it is happening, and I am thankful for the ones that stood up when mainly the loss was of their job/career. Instead of taking it lightly, and moving on, they spend years in litigation and court costs. But we can be thankful for them. One just won at the supreme court level. It was the coach that was told he couldn’t pray on the football field. What did it even matter? Such a small thing, yet it offended some. Because Prayer is powerful, and offends those that are lost. The name of Jesus, will silence a room! People get very triggered by such a powerful Name. The name that has stood for centuries. The Bible that continues to hold strong, living and breathing.
As I listen to “sermons” on the radio every morning as I do my SRT studies, I am always amazed at how they line up with each other oftentimes. Today, Dr. Jeremiah is in a study about- yep, persecution. That it is more prevalent today than all throughout history! How is that even possible in this time? But it is going to get worse for North America, we see it heavily in Canada. And in America, we have been given a little wake up call and a time to wake up the church, but, as assumed, people quickly go back to their own busyness and forget. They go back to lukewarm religion that fits them best. But true followers will be all in for Jesus, and will be called up. The churches will still be full, and they will go through the persecution in unthinkable, hard ways. We must be in the word, and all in for Jesus. Ready, suited up, full of discernment, and ready for battle.
“ What did it even matter? Such a small thing, yet it offended some.”
It’s just a small thing, until it is not. Will you be okay when the coach is Buddist, Hindu, Muslim, or another religion has their team pray on the field after the game? Because some will be offended by that also.
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For me, this seems like a strange place for an authority figure of a non religious school to publicly pray when there are students that are not Christians who may feel forced to participate. God wants us to live lives that encourage someone to choose to follow him, not be required or forced. Also surprised that no parent or student felt so lead to hold the prayer to potentially remove the school authority figure issue.
Amen Rhonda; you are spot on!
Amen
This made me think of a missionary who came and spoke at our church several years back and he showed a video of how they illegally spread the word of Christ. It sounded like a spy movie you would watch with covert missions all in the name of the Lord and His kingdom. There were severe consequences if caught. I was in awe wondering if I would ever be so brave. I try to speak of Jesus daily and I have His worship music always playing in my office. It often initiates conversations but never have I had to debate about Him. We are so blessed that our country allows religion freedom and I feel so blessed that God has selected His missionaries who are doing the hard work, potentially fatal works of Jesus. I pray for them and work they are doing for Gods kingdom. Lord continue to protect them, arm them, bless them. I pray for more and more Jesus followers every day. The name above ALL names.
Keep Nigeria in your prayers, so many Christians being attacked and killed for their faith. Praying for your requests.
Help me to live this life in light of eternity.
We have been blessed in the United States to not face real bodily, economic or political persecution for our faith in Jesus. Christians in many other countries have not always had as much freedom to follow their faith. How difficult it would be to have to go “underground” to worship our Lord. Several years ago, the daughter of some church friends was working for a semester in China. We were asked to pray for her, of course, and to stay in touch with her via email. But we were cautioned not to mention our prayers, include Bible verses or mention God. I’m sure it was difficult to keep her faith hidden, and was also comforting to know that the friends from her church back home were praying. even though we couldn’t tell her so.
In Psalm 9:9, David describes God as his stronghold in times of trouble. I’ve usually thought of strongholds as used in the New Testament, where strongholds are the negative thoughts and habits Satan uses to hold us back from being close to God. 2 Cor. 10:4 says “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds.” When strongholds keep us from a full relationship with God, it takes the full armor of God to demolish them. But the psalmist tells us God is our stronghold. “In Hebrew terminology, a ‘stronghold’ was a high, safe, refuge. It was a place where people could seek security from attackers or enemies. The root word, in fact, most literally means “‘height.’ David often resorted to strongholds during his wilderness exile, but he felt safest in his reliance on the Lord.” (Fighter Verses)
David uses stronghold again in Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” He is telling us that God is a literal fortress we can run to, just as he ran to stone fortresses when fleeing for his life. “The stronghold, or keep, was the strongest, most fortified part of an ancient or medieval castle. When the enemy was on the attack and danger was all around, the safest place to be was in the stronghold.” … “The Lord is our stronghold. We are only safe in the protection of his loving care. He makes the earth shift and change. He causes kingdoms and rulers to rise and fall. When we place our trust in anything that is not the Lord, we will be shaken.”
(alphamidatlantic.org)
Today’s verses were a good reminder to me that although I haven’t faced physical danger or persecution because of my faith in Jesus, it is always a possibility. And the strongholds Satan tries to use in my life are always a danger. But God is the true stronghold in my life. No matter what I’m facing, He is my stronghold, the fortress to which I can – must – run.
Thank you!!❤️
Jesus came to unseat the self-centered ways of the world and usher in the way of His Father. The Light of the World lit the corners of darkness and exposed them, and those in the world didn’t like it. Therefore, they wouldn’t like the ones who called on His name—that is, you and me.
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One day it will most likely be all of us under persecution. I pray we can hold strong. To lean into God even more. To know that we are God’s children just waiting to enter His kingdom.
Well, a lawyer already reached out to our insurance company. Now it is under investigation. I’m just sick with worry. I know I need to let go and let God. To let Him show me peace in this situation. To take away my anxiousness. It also saddens me that in todays world there is no such thing as an accident. Someone is always looking to take advantage. It was clear from the witnesses that this man hit the throttle instead of pulling back to slow down. I have absolutely no damage to my car. Not a scratch. Thank you for your prayers.
Traci, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this. I’m assuming you weren’t cited by the police in this accident since he ran into you and ended up under your car. If not, I believe your insurance company will push back on your behalf, and his lawyer will quickly see there isn’t a case to be had. Plus, you have witnesses that this wasn’t your fault. Nevertheless, I’m sure it is a worry. I will keep praying this is cleared up quickly, and God gives you peace of mind and heart in the meantime.
❤ Amen
Traci, this on top of what’s already on your plate?! Are there video cameras in the area to back up tbe witnesses. Praying God clears the way for you and praying for honesty on this young man’s part! ❤
I’m so sorry this happened to you, Traci. Praying for your peace of mind and God’s favor. ❤️
I’m so sorry this happened to you. One question I would have (that has come up lately in Denver) is whether or not the scooter was even street legal. Some people here have been driving e-bikes and scooters that are actually not legal on main roads. Just a thought. I’m glad you have witnesses to his recklessness, and pray God’s peace will cover you. ❤️
Persecution- the stage that all true Christ followers face at some point, because the servant is not greater than the Master! May we take this warning seriously. Though in North America, we don’t face the persecutions like our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, China, Iran underground churches face, I want to bring up another form of persecution in the church that is as deadly. When a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” occupies the pulpit, persecution takes on a deceptive, intimate form (discipling/ grooming). Unlike external persecution, this comes from inside the place that is supposed to be a sanctuary. In this type, the pastor doesn’t use a sword, they use the Word as a weapon to control, silence, and exploit the sheep. There will be the weaponization of “submission”. The most common tool a “wolf” uses is the distortion of authority. They speak on verses about “not touching the Lord’s anointed” or “obeying your leaders” to create an environment where questioning the pastor is equated to questioning God. I am sure many of us have seen this. This silences the “sheep’s” discernment.. big time. If a churchgoer notices a financial inconsistency or a character flaw, they are shamed into silence, making them feel rebellious for simply seeing the truth. A bad shepherd survives by keeping the sheep away from “outside” perspectives (the isolation for control). They may subtly (or overtly) criticize other churches, or even the family members of the congregants who aren’t part of that specific church. By cutting off the sheep from external support systems, the pastor becomes the only source of “truth” and “safety”, this is a form of emotional imprisonment. Please be very careful if this happens. Watch for the red flags. They might use “prosperity gospel” tactics telling people that if they are struggling financially (scarcity), it’s because they aren’t giving enough to the church, the sheep will give beyond their means or work themselves, volunteer themselves to exhaustion just to maintain “status” in the eyes of the pastor. And then, there will come the discard phase, a wolf only values the sheep for what they provide (money, labor, volunteering, time). Then the sheep become too much work when they are suffering from trauma, asking too many questions, or can no longer give, the pastor will “excommunicate” them, avoid them, or label them as “divisive”. The person is then cast out of their social church circle and might even be told to have lost God’s protection, this can cause a nervous breakdown (from true testimonies). I have witnessed this done to several people and it took them years and years to recover. Why? Because the wolf has tied their own persona to God’s persona, many victims feel that by leaving the pastor, they are leaving God! When a stranger persecutes us, it’s a wound, when a shepherd attacks, it’s a shattering of the soul. Healing takes so long and requires unbraiding the two. Be very careful to follow GOD alone and discern the shepherds, do the hard work of learning God’s words ourselves, be careful whom we listen to. We must test the spirit by studying the Word and practice hearing from GOD ourselves. Recovery requires taking apart the false teachings used to control us (submission does not mean silence, does not mean avoiding accountability).
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The Lord warns us of the shepherds that eat their own sheep in Ezekiel 34. “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel… Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock” — Ezekiel 34:2-3. Instead of providing for the sheep, they “eat the wool”, they take the very things the sheep need for protection and warmth to make themselves look “big” and successful. God mentions the neglect, “You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally” Ezekiel 34:4. Instead of healing the injured sheep (those with trauma), the bad pastor “rules harshly”. They use the “shame” as a tool of brutality rather than a point of healing. When the shepherd is a wolf, the sheep are forced to leave for their own safety, but then they are blamed for being lost, “So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals” — Ezekiel 34:5.
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And God’s response: “I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves; I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them” — Ezekiel 34:10. In Ezekiel 34:11-16, God promises that He will become the Shepherd, He says, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.”
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We see this abuse tactics from satan done in North American churches regularly. And is this a form of persecution from within, when the people who claim to know GOD turn against the sheep. Yes 100% it is persecution. In North America, the primary way a church persecutes a whistleblower is through shunning and character assassination. The goal is to make the cost of them telling the story so high that others stay silent. I see this and witness this and by GOD’s grace I survive this, and here to tell you the story. We must be on guard. Don’t be ignorant of the devil’s tactics in destroying the church. May God’s wisdom be with us, be both wise and innocent (wise as the snakes and innocent as doves- not sacrifice one for another).
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Be blessed dear sisters.
Thank you for pointing this out. We often feel we had to “hide” the problems within churches, which ultimately just allows abuse to continue.
Like many of you, this hit me today: How is it possible to be at peace when the situations around “us” are often in turmoil?
Because they are holding to the One who holds all things together.
I feel like I am on an emotional rollercoaster with my daughter and her mental health issues. I’m up when she is up, down when she is down. Trying to lay it at Jesus’s feet and holding onto him. He is truly is my only hope. Today I was thinking about what people who have no faith do in tough times and how hard it must be, my daughter included. Praying for all of your requests.
Praying for your peace, Tami.
Tami, praying for you as a mom. It is so hard to watch and wait. Watch and wait. Gods timing is always on time and I only understand that in hindsight. I’m so glad you shared so we can pray for peace for you and the Lord to surround you with His calming nature. These seasons are so hard and as parents we would rather take all the pain upon ourselves then our children to experience it. I pray for comfort Tami.
I receive a Voice of the Martyrs publication that has stories of people who are persecuted for their faith or martyred for their faith. When I read their stories, it prompts me to pray for our brothers and sisters I. Christ who are being persecuted and for more boldness to share my faith. Praying we will all be able to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ and stand firm in our faith when we are tested and persecuted!
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
I get that too! The stories are amazing!
Reading a bio of Christian missionary to China Gladys aylward. Amazing what she went through! Her crown is in heaven for sure!
Adding my own “Amen” to all the comments already made here. ❤️
….in an eternal kingdom we cannot yet see. Thank you Jesus! I trust YOU!
In our mostly comfy, cozy north American world we really have no concept of what heavy persecution is. Of course, we see glimpses of it; we have seen people, churches, groups targeted, protested against and sadly harmed, but most of us do not hide our Bibles, hide out in underground churches, or have guards outside our homes to protect us. But, many places in the world do and I far too easily forget the reality of persection. People may oppose me, laugh at me, speak harshly against my beliefs and that is hard, but its only a fraction of what can truly happen and it makes me feel very unsteady and rattled. Goodness, I can be so weak, if that’s the right word? We know in this world there will be persecution and trial in the context of our own lives, surroundings and environment and not only do I need to be brave, faithful and courageous in it, but to stand firm, hold fast to the Lord and honor Him as well. This thought from the devo stood out to me: “Because they are holding to the One who holds all things together.”
May I be found faithful in living out the truth and hope of Jesus, to boldy testify to His name no matter what comes.
Amen, my thoughts exactly, I will just say Ditto.! :)
That sentence stood out to me as well. May we be found faithful to the end.
Amen, I agree.
Amen, Wendy! ❤
“Because they endure through suffering, through persecution, through trial and temptation with Jesus as their companion. The Spirit of the living God lives in them, and they know that nothing experienced here on earth can compare to the reward that awaits them in heaven.”
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I started watching the chosen a 2nd or 3rd time through. Just last night I watched the episode in which John was beheaded. I love how the writers depicted Johns death – not one of fear, anxiety, or resistance, and with the reminder of what was before him when he looked out the window right before dying and saw a lamb. I’d like to believe that yes, he did go to his death with a smile on his face as they showed in this episode.
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I am also reminded of Hebrews 12:2 – “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
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I pray that if the time comes to suffer persecution for Jesus Christ, or when I face death, that I would be of a calm , quiet and content spirit knowing that it is all for Christ and that I am headed for His kingdom.
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I pray regularly as I’m sure that you do too, for Christian brothers and sisters who suffer for Christ all around the world, in ways that we could never imagine.
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@Traci G – praying for the incident you had with the scooter. May God be gracious and not allow the person to sue, and may He give you peace as you wait in the unknown.
@SundaySchoolTeacher – praying your husband’s surgery goes well.
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Be blessed today sisters. ❤️
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“There is no one like the Lord Our God! You’ve been faithful every day of my life, I could search the world and never find another like You” That song has been replaying in my head since I woke up! Grateful for our God who does things differently than anyone else. May we continue to walk according to His will and not that of the world!
❤️Amen, Susan!
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”
Romans 8:18 ❤️
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Amen❤️
Anen
Bless those who are being persecuted in our world. May God hold them close. Praying for missionaries all over the world who proclaim Jesus. Lord, keep them safe and allow your word and gospel to be carried in dark places. This makes me think of Charlie Kirk. Through his death, he pointed so many people to Jesus. May we be not afraid to shine our lights for Jesus even when the world mocks us. Also, makes me think of Stephen in the Bible. Asking for God to forgive those who were persecuting and killing him.
Please pray for my husband who is having surgery today. Praying all go smooth and he have a full and complete recovery. I covet your prayers.
Praying for your husband’s surgery.
Prayers for a smooth surgery and quick recovery.
Praying
I’m not sure what time your husbands surgery is or was, but still offer up prayer.
I pray for a successful surgery and full recovery for your husband.
“Because they endure through suffering, through persecution, through trial and temptation with Jesus as their companion.” Help me always to remember this Lord – Amen!
Amen
From HRT: “Persecution for Christlikeness brings blessedness—persecution for being poor in spirit, being humble, for mourning over brokenness, for being peacemakers, for being merciful, and for hungering after righteousness. This fallen world is offended by those things, and it lashes out.” Barnabas Piper
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When I read about what our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters go through on the daily, I often pray that God would make His presence tangiblely felt as they stand for Him and His righteousness.
TRACI GENDRON – praying you awoke with peace in your heart and that scooter guy will make a full recovery.
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Praying for your requests, Shes. May you rest in His blessings today.
Persecution for righteousness is not a sign of loss, but of belonging to Christ now, and to His kingdom forever.
Amen!
Help me God to find confidence in you amidst hard circumstances!
Amen!
Amen to that as my family deals with a situation that we just don’t understand. Adults can be so cruel to youth for their own gain, it’s incomprehensible. My granddaughter has made a choice to follow Jesus and I can only think this is spritiual warfare. Praying your circumstances change favorably, and your spirit stays strong!
Praying, MAE and ALYSSA, for guidance, wisdom and understanding in hard and confusing circumstances ❤️
Thank you! God is good!
I will pray for this,Mae
Thank you~~our young people are so at a loss in some ways as to what to do – friends have such impact for good or not – and we adults can barely get it together! Alyssa’s point about strength in the hard carries so much!
The LORD is a refuge for the persecuted,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you
because you have not abandoned
those who seek you, LORD.
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Love, hugs,and prayers! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
Hope Darst – Never Walk Alone (Official Lyric Video)
Amen!
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This really helped me this morning thank you!
So glad,Alyssa! ❤
May we learn from those who have gone before us and from our brothers and sisters around the world who wake each day ready to defend their faith, whatever the cost. May we pray for them, and may we ready ourselves for the moments when righteousness brings pain. Ours is the kingdom of heaven because of Jesus, our great reward and King.
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AMEN..
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Morning my loves, I am here, just not able to comment because of time constraints.
Today i am able to send word.. It is well..
Love you all, Happy Thursday, covered in much, much, much love and prayers. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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