Persecution?

Jeremiah 18: 19-20

Lord, hear me and help me! Listen to what my enemies are saying. Should they repay evil for good? They have dug a pit to kill me, though I pleaded for them and tried to protect them from Your anger.

Jeremiah was faithful to God and concerned for his people, and in return they plotted to kill him. And people in some areas of the world today who turn to God are pursued by their own families, who refuse to believe. And even in my own family, I have adult children who do not follow God's ways and have even made me their enemy, believing lies about me.

Jesus said that a person's enemies will be those of his own household (in Matthew 10:36). And Timothy tells us that, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (II Tim. 3:12).

May God strengthen us and grant us the courage to stand, to deal with those who oppose us with compassion and grace, with great wisdom and thoughtfulness toward them. To keep His guard on our thoughts and tongues, to say what will benefit, never harm them. And protect us from their schemes to destroy us (Isaiah 54:17), that we may continue to live to praise our God and work His plans for us all to bring His Kingdom into this realm to rule with Him. 

Then every created being will bow down to Him, singing His praises (see Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10-11, and Revelation 5:13).

Until then, we must hold on to the One Who has taken hold of us, and will never let go; Christ Jesus, our Lord, our King and our Sovereign God.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!