22 Comments

  1. I had so many thoughts as I read this. First as my husband who was born to missionary parents in Beruit, Lebanon. They had to flee when friends warned them that the authorities were coming for them during the war. They were escorted safely from the country by tanks when my husband was four years old. Then it went to a more recent conversation I had with a loved one who is sick of hearing about Jesus. It’s not persecution per say, but oh does it grieve my heart that this person who was baptized years ago has turned their back on Jesus, and confessed that they never really knew Him. Because knowing facts about Jesus and knowing Jesus are two totally different things.

    • melissa

      What an amazing story about your husband. Thank you for sharing! It is incredibly sad how many people are turning away from God. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience and thoughts. God bless!

  2. I definitely have to remind myself that persecution is to be expected in our lives as we follow Jesus. While it’s not pleasant, I hope I would have the attitude of the apostles as they praised God when persecuted. Also, thanks so much for pointing out those numbers of persecuted Christians. I definitely do not pray the way I should for them.

    • melissa

      It is easy to not remember the level of persecution around the world when we have our freedoms in this country. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!

  3. Melissa,
    Thanks for sharing those stats. You just don’t realize it living in North America. We need to remember our brothers and sisters around the world more. Thanks for you wake-up-call message. So needed! I was your neighbour at #RaRaLinkup today. Praying for the persecuted church and those of us in North America to grow stronger and stand up for our faith in ways that make Jesus famous, not embarrassed 🙂
    Much love,
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xox

    • melissa

      It is definitely not a message that is popular in our society. It is easier to keep the blinders on and nonbelievers don’t want Christian persecution to be discussed. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!

  4. Oh! I pray that God helps us to live by 1 Corinthians 4: 12-13.
    “We work hard with our own hands.When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment”
    Malissa, your post reveals that you are keeping watch.

  5. Kristi

    Satan is trying his best to blow out faith from this earth. I continually pray that we all, especially those facing extreme persecution, will stand with courage and express our faith no matter what comes our way.

  6. Thank you for sharing this! I think persecution happens in our nation by how politically correct we have to be about saying anything about Jesus. There’s a definite persecution there, albeit not life or death like in other nations.
    We do need to step up our praying for Christians in other parts of the world!

    • melissa

      Thanks Julie! Yes, the PC culture has run rampant for the sake of tolerance. However tolerance is only required to be enforced for certain topics and groups of people. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and all. But it’s changing hearts and lives in a very negative way. Thank Julie for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!

  7. Sometimes persecution is subtle. I find that people will occasionally take offense to me just as others inexplicably are drawn to me. A friend recently reminded me that people are drawn or repulsed by the Holy Spirit in us.

    • melissa

      That is very true. The Holy Spirit can be unsettling and uncomfortable – because He is urging and nudging to live another way. For nonbelievers, that is threatening. A threatened person tends to avoid or become aggressive (even just in words). Thank you for stopping by Alice and sharing your insights. God bless!

  8. We cannot be ashamed of the Gospel. Romans 1:16. Thank you for bringing attention as a reminder to us all about our brothers and sisters being persecuted for sharing and not being ashamed of God’s word and about who they are. We need to always remember and pray for those who are taking the stand and proclaiming Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thank you for providing such powerful scripture and statistics in your article.

    • melissa

      You’re right, Stephanie. We are called to not be ashamed or afraid to proclaim the Gospel. I’m glad you found the post beneficial! Thank you for stopping by and reading. God bless!

  9. Wow! When you see the numbers in front of you the reality sets in that this place is not our home. We are passing through. There is so much suffering in the world, but none can compare to the suffering of Christ. Scripture tells us these are momentarily light afflictions, but they don’t feel like it. However, persecution grows faith because you learn that apart from God you can do nothing. It doesn’t mean we have to like it, and we are to abhor that which is evil, but knowing God has us in his hands makes it easier to get through difficult times.

    • melissa

      Absolutely, Sheila! Knowing God has us in His hands makes it easier to get through difficult times. Your health situation is a perfect example of that. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and insights. God bless!

  10. Steadfast is such a strong and beautiful word. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 really struck me. It’s convicting and gives exact answers to our worldly problems. Although, there isn’t a specific outline for each persecution, the overall action is clear. You’re right. We must stand firm in our faith, convictions, commands of God. His command is to bless, endure, and be kind all in the face of evil. This truly shows glory. Our opposing actions bring light to His good and beautiful gift of salvation.

    • melissa

      I find those verses to bring hope and comfort in light of everything that is around us. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your insights! God bless!

    • melissa

      The stats are hard to wrap our heads around. 215 million Christians persecuted in our world. Praise God that we know He wins in the end! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!

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