Persecution and Suffering

Therefore do not be afraid of them (those who can persecute you), since there is nothing covered that won't be uncovered and nothing hidden that won't be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops. Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to destroy both soul and body in hell.... do not be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:26-31

Ah! a lesson in perspective again! Persecution will come but God is bigger! Eternity lasts forever and this life for but a short time. Where do I spend eternity? What choice have I made?

Jesus went to the cross with an eternal perspective, yes He was scared but he faced it and God strengthened Him. He completed the task at hand.

We really do not like suffering but it comes. How do we endure? What will be achieved through the experience, who will it touch?

The above scripture tells us how valuable we are, how important we are to the Lord. Spoilt children want everything their own way, they like to control outcome to suit themselves.

However, if we live and die in our own controlled environment we would be beastly and no one would want to know us. We all have a purpose and if we do everything to avoid that purpose then we may have a sanitised life but we will probably go to a lost eternity and have wasted all we have been given.

Suffering cleanses us, tempers us and in the process we are broken and the scent of what we really are escapes and touches others. Throwing a tantrum will not work. Elijah and Jonah tried that and God lovingly reproved them.

What are you here for? What is your purpose? Seek the Lord and you will find both of these answered.

My grandchildren will be finally moving in about two weeks. My emotions were throwing a tantrum. I had to get over it. God has a purpose and a plan. My emotions want things to stay as they are, in some areas of my life that is. My God's plan is best, best, best. Amen!

Today I have spent time educating my grand children about perspective. Children are by nature very selfish and do not like to suffer not having their own way, at all. I refuse to spoil them and my God refuses to spoil me. Yes life can be tough but I need to be as well.

I know many Christians face far worse than me, I do not know persecution and I need to pray for them, may His grace and mercy sustain and protect them. Amen!

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