Firstly, I believe in God’s protection. However, this promise is to enable us to do His will, not ours. If it is God’s will for an individual to live in order to fulfil a greater eternal plan, then God will protect the person. On the other hand, if a person is persecuted or even martyred in order to bring greater glory to God and become a testimony to lead more souls to Christ, God will allow it. The question is, will suffering and martyrdom advance the Gospel?
While Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice to pay sin’s price, we can follow His example by dying to our self-will. Through the centuries, many have been martyred for faith in Jesus Christ. When God calls someone to a place of service, there will be fulfilment, as well as suffering. Whether it is physical, psychological or spiritual persecution or martyrdom, God will prepare the individual to die to self and follow His will. I realize that it takes strength to sacrifice and lay down one’s life for Christ. We need His grace to work in and through us to experience the fellowship of His suffering!
The Apostle Paul was imprisoned for Christ. Yet, he was obedient and submissive to the call of God. Regrettably, many of us in the modern church only want the blessings of God, and are not willing to stand up for Him with moral and spiritual convictions, let alone sacrifice our lives physically. When one suffers, it does not mean a lack of faith. Some suffer for wrongdoings, but here we are speaking of suffering for our commitment to Christ. No one suffered like Jesus did, but when we suffer, it produces perseverance, character and hope (according to Romans 5:3-4).
Are Christians Promised Protection Or Persecution?
September 1, 2017
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