Persecution

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 12:11

These words have been ringing in my head and heart the last week. Something happens when you step out for God and seek to share Jesus with other people. It shakes people from their comfort zones and either causes them to embrace or adamantly oppose what you are doing.

Jennifer and I have experienced a lot this last week. We've had numerous small frustrations with cancelled appointments, busy schedules, etc. But by far, what we've found out this week is what persecution looks like for missionaries in the US today.

I had realized in my head that joining staff with Campus Crusade would most inevitably bring some opposition towards me from others, but I hadn't fully realized that knowledge in my heart yet. After receiving some very poignant mail this week opposing what I am doing, I have now realized even more what stepping out for God really entails.

It shouldn't surprise me to think I wouldn't face this as a missionary. Jesus faced ultimate persecution...scourging and crucifixion. Paul was put in prison, flogged, stoned, shipwrecked, and executed for his faith. Peter was crucified upside down for his. Through the years, so many believers have lost their lives being martyred for their faith in Christ. I am just experiencing a sliver of what they all went through before.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2 How hard this statement is to realize in the midst of hard times. It is the testing of our faith that causes us to lean even more on God and allow Him mold our hearts into what He desires.

Please pray for Jennifer and I, not that we would face less persecution, but that we might rejoice in it so that our faith may be deepened even more in our wonderful and awesome God.