Instead of a nice Christmas event, it turns into a fiery, violent and even barbaric evening that resulted from radical Muslims setting up Islamist bomb attacks. By the end of the night numerous lives were taken by this act of terror and persecution, according to an article in the Economist.
Persecution is not a new concept or idea. It is something that is quite common to hear about, yet most people never really think about it happening much if it is not occurring right in front of their noses.
The truth about persecution is that it ensues every single day, whether others choose to realize and acknowledge it or not. Once reality sets in, it would be easy to focus on the evils of persecution and what our brothers and sisters in Christ have had to suffer through.
After all, many Christians in Pakistan are facing their death sentences for turning to Christianity and abandoning Islam. Numerous churches in Indonesia have been forced to close and a good majority of Christians in Iraq have been forced to flee due to the immense persecution, according to the Economist.
However, predominantly Muslim countries are not the only places where Christians are severely persecuted. Countries such as China and Vietnam are harassing the Christian communities to the point of forcing churches underground. These are only to name a few with many more next in line.
With the rate persecution is arising in countries around the world, it seems only natural to assume there is potential for the same type of actions to arise even in the western states the more time wears on.
Even if this is the case, as Christ-followers, the Savior of the world shows us the attitude to possess when facing persecution.
2 Corinthians 12:10 - “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Because we have the strength and guidance of the Lord, we are to rejoice in our troubles as we hold to our faith that the Lord is in control. Just as the Bible so clearly commands...we are strong through him.
Matthew 13:21 - “But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”
As persecution arises and sets in, hold tightly to God's Word. He promises to remain with those who follow him, and in the end it will be only a short time of persecution since He reigns over all things.
John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Living as a follower of Christ, persecution should not be something that is surprising. God guarantees it. The Bible does not say that those who follow him may have trouble, it says they will have trouble. Yet even in the midst of persecution, those who follow God hold tightly to his word and cling to the truth that Christ has overcome the world.
When facing persecution personally or witnessing it from abroad, focus on the promises that God gives through these difficult times. Even though governments and leaders force churches underground, they are still serving the Lord.
Numerous souls continued to be rescued and many continue to surrender their lives to Christ. They are continuing to boldly serve the Lord as nothing will keep them from worshiping God. These churches may have to declare his name in secret, but the power is behind the fact that they are still declaring his name.