No one has to tell you that we are in the end times. It’s happening all around us. The Bible foretold what will happen in days like this. The ruler of this world is indeed roaring like a lion seeking whom he may devour.
As Christians keep on enduring hardships like persecution, trials, and fretful moments —the Bible still remains the best antidote. Using the word of God to face persecution, fears and trials help strengthen the spirit living within.
Every now and then faithful Christians face death for expressing their faith. Some get imprisoned or face worse punishment. From the hands of Islamic extremists, governmental bodies, tech giants, and other non-believers —the children of God suffer for being followers of Jesus Christ.
Recently Open Doors data about the worse 50 countries for Christians to live in sent shock waves around the world. The data showed an increase in Christian humiliation.
According to them, more than 360 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.
How can faithful believers fight this situation? The answer is in the Bible. The only thing that gives hope to any Christian going through persecution, trials, fear or any life challenge is the Bible.
There are many promises from God for anyone who suffers for the sake of Jesus Christ. It’s not an easy thing to hold onto the faith while going through human rights abuse.
One particular Christian missionary who works in Ukraine expressed her hopes of staying in the war threatening country by quoting the Bible. Despite rumors of war coming from the camp of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
The name of this brave woman is Jane Hyatt, an American missionary giving in to prayers and fasting with her Christian brothers and sisters. She said:
“I woke up this morning and I was just praying for peace and actually praying for some sort of resolve and praying for Putin,” Hyatt told CBN News. “I was actually praying Proverbs 21:1 that God holds the hearts of the king in His hands, and He directs the hearts like the water’s ways.”
The Bible verse Jane Hyatt used to face her fears is very inspirational. It reads:
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants.” (Proverbs 21:1)
While many were evacuating, Jane Hyatt, thought —her only hope is God. With Him all things are possible. She did not rely on her own plans, strength, or wisdom.
This is an exemplary lesson for every Christian who goes through tribulations. Did God not say, he will not abandon us? Yes of course.
There are many Christians who are facing prison sentences, death, and other challenges for expressing their faith.
Do we even pray for them? It’s not a good thing for fellow Christians to be selfish. The prayers you offer shouldn’t always be about yourself, friends, loved ones, or only the people you know.
People who are also in the faith —but have been in the most unfortunate situations need your prayers. It could be anyone like you or me. Let’s share their pains by putting our feet in their shoes.
China has been persecuting Christians for a very long time. The communist government has laid down very strict laws governing how Christians should live and worship.
The word of God has been greatly suppressed —forcing believers to abandon their faith.
Prayer Of Intercession
One of the greatest weapons Jesus gave us is prayers. Prayers have the power to shut the gate of hell and open the gate of heaven.
Although, hard times will come, but when faithful Christians call on God —he listens and make a way.
Apostle Paul reminded us to pray for all people. Why? Because God does not have an interest in the destruction of the sinner. In view of that, we must all be active in the ‘Great Commission‘ to lead more people to Jesus Christ.
“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1 – 4)
Allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you is very important when dealing with life trials or persecution. Walk in the Spirit, but not in the flesh if you surely want to enjoy divine protection, blessings and favor. (Galatians 5:16)
Facing Your Own Fears And Trials With The Bible
The devil has poised to destroy the faith of the Children of God. We are all in this battle. He delights in seeing us falling sick(virtual visitation of death), having financial problems, job issues, marital problems, pervasive lifestyle, etc.
The Bible still holds the answer to our troubles. If you ever feel an emotional breakdown — read the Bible and say some prayers.
Believe that God is on your side; if not you will never be a pleasing aroma for him to act on your side.
“Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Your rewards will surely come from the Lord. Paul once again encouraged all believers to endure pains for Christ’s sake. He called it “long-suffering.” (2 Corinthians 6:4 -10)
They endured persecution and so encouraged everyone who might find himself in that situation to keep on trusting God.
As we strive to overcome fears, persecution and trials, the Lord will also be with us now and forevermore.
The Bible says nothing painful or evil can separate us from the love of God. He loves us and so when we face trials and other painful situations he will be with us.
Even if we die today, we know that salvation is ours through the grace of God. The blood of Jesus has redeemed us from sin, shame, fear and eternal damnation.
The Future Of Christians Already In Peril
As I keep my eyes glued on the news portals around the world, I have seen something disturbing happening. This hate, discrimination and persecution aren’t going to end. Like a blazing fire moving all over the world.
This fight is not against flesh and blood but the rulers of darkness. This is why we need to be spiritually strong, stay together as the body of Christ.
Now, there are many ways the tech giants, atheists and some political leaders are suppressing the gospel.
Have you heard about Facebook’s radical approach of banning Christian ministries that lead people from homosexuality and transgederasim on their platform?
One of these Christian ministries is
Mastering Life Ministries. They use Biblical teachings to convert people from homosexuality.
According to one account holder, Facebook did not give her any notification when they deleted her pages.
The big techs are already censoring the beliefs and doctrines of Christians which are grounded in the Bible. This has been a major problem for the Church. Where are we heading to?
A student once told his mate in a conversation that being gay is a sin; He faced legal issues. Thankfully his parents supported him at the law court. Another disturbing challenge happening this year is about Finnish ex-MP Päivi Räsänen who has to battle legal issues for quoting the Bible against homosexuality on Twitter.
The Chinese government in her advanced technology has installed hundreds of facial recognition cameras in vantage points and closer to churches to punish regular churchgoers and so forth —hence tracking and punishing defaulters.
All these things are happening in our world today. I tell you the truth, the worse is yet to come. The Bible made us aware of these kinds of trials and persecutions.
“Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name.” (Matthew 24:9)
God wants Christians to continue using the Bible as the highest authority to preach against persecution and its associated problems. The world needs our prayers.
We live in a generation where people disregard the power of God and His amazing salvation plan.
In view of this, we need Christians who are not ashamed to declare that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords —the Savior of our souls. May God help and protect His children. Amen!
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