Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 28, 2012


A Promise No Christian Wants to Claim

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” - (2 Timothy 3:12)

Persecution shows itself in many ways. It can show itself in the martyrdom of a believer. It has been estimated that since the early church was formed to this present day, millions and millions of Christians have been martyred.

But persecution can show itself in other ways as well. Persecution of Christians has not stopped. It will continue on. In fact, the Bible says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Now that is a promise we rarely claim. As believers, we lay hold of promises of God’s provision and of God’s protection. But when is the last time you heard someone pray, “Now Lord, You promised in Your Word that if I live godly, I will be persecuted. So bring it on, Lord”? We don’t pray that, because who wants to be persecuted? There is no enjoyment in that. But if you are living a godly life, then persecution will come.

So how should we react when persecution comes our way? Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10–12).

Why are we persecuted? Because righteousness is confrontational. I’m not necessarily speaking of verbal confrontation. Just your presence—just the fact that you are a Christian—appears on the radar screens of other people. You can bother them a bit. So remember, as you simply live for the Lord, persecution will come.

Summary sentence: How do you react to persecution?

Tags: Persecution, promise

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

SPECIAL OFFER

Your gift today, whatever the size, will bring the gospel to people through Harvest America and the outreach efforts of Harvest. 

In appreciation for your gift of investment today, you can receive both Hope for America and a companion resource titled Pray America Prayer Journal. The only way America can really experience a spiritual awakening is through prayer, so this prayer journal makes a great companion piece to Hope for America. It was written by my wife, Cathe, and I know that it will help you get started in praying for your country, for yourself, and for those around you.

SHARE

Christianity / Devotionals / Greg Laurie Daily Devotions / Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 28, 2012