No, but we do not deserve the blessings of God either. The blessings of God will outweigh the persecution.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
All things would include the persecution and the blessings. There are many things that we may not like that are good for us. You might remember Cod Liver Oil.
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I must confess that I have not learned these things as well as Paul did. I still complain about them.
This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles at Walk With The King Today and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages. Used with written permission.
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Read Matthew 5:1-16.
Peter, ever the businessman, asked our Lord one day about the ‘bottom line’: ‘We have left all and followed Thee. What shall we have, therefore?’ To which Christ replied, ‘There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the Gospel’s, but that he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time … with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life’ (Mark 10:29). Blessings – with persecutions: that’s the divine combination.
During a visit to Colombia, South America, I spoke with an old man who for years had been a leader in the local church. ‘How are things going?’ I asked. ‘well enough,’ he replied, ‘but not as well as when we were under persecution. In those days, the persecution drove us to our knees, and as we prayed together, the church prospered and believers grew spiritually. Now we have it too easy, I am afraid, and the people forget to pray.’
Certainly, persecution is impossible to bear with human strength alone. And we would never ask for it. But though you and I do not like trouble, opposition, or loss because of our Christian testimony, we can be sure that the blessing of God attends us through it all. Jesus said so!
Small thought here. The next time you are under the pressure of a difficult situation, try looking to your Savior and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, I don’t like this, but I am going to go through it for Thy glory. Help me learn what I should and give me the blessing You promised!’
