Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 3:12
Today’s devotion challenges all of us as believers in Christ. None of us like to think that we will suffer persecution. Most of us want life to be easy, with not too many trials, tests, or tribulations. We will even pray and ask God to give us His protection, hoping that we live a life that is not too hard. But God tells us in 2 Timothy 3:12 that everyone who chooses to live a godly life in Christ Jesus can definitely count on suffering and persecution. What does persecution look like? It may be someone making fun of us because we are unwilling to listen to a joke that dishonors our Lord. Persecution might mean something as drastic as our family casting us aside because of their religious beliefs being contrary to God’s Holy Word and us walking obediently to Christ. Persecution may come through losing our job because we are unwilling to lie, steal, or cheat to get ahead in our job or cover the boss who is lying, stealing, or cheating. Persecution can come to us in many different ways. We must be prepared for the persecution that will come to us if we are walking with our Lord Jesus Christ. We must not be surprised when the persecution hits, but we must stand firm in our Lord and His Word. We must also find our strength in our fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, for only through His strength are we able to overcome whatever we might face in this life.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about persecution?
2. How are you walking with our Lord each day to be prepared for the persecution that will come?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!