1. Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote,
"At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1)
Discordant factors have a way of accomplishing God’s purposes like nothing else could. Had it not been for the scattering of believers the gospel probably would not have spread as rapidly or effectively throughout the entire region.
Many of the Jewish Christians were content to sit in Jerusalem and wait for people to come to them for answers to their questions. Do not get discouraged when the rug is pulled out from under you. God’s greater purposes can be accomplished through every situation.
Trust the Lord to help you to look for ways that He can broaden the influence of the kingdom of God and His righteousness through every emotional, physical or financial trial.
2. Persecution can humble people so they learn how to become totally dependent on the Lord for His sufficient grace. Many of the believers felt that persecution might mean the end of Christianity, but the Lord knew better. His ways are perfect and all His ways are peace.
Trust the Lord to use persecution, trials and adversity to humble individuals, families and organizations so they become more aligned with His purposes.
3. Persecution reminds us the fact that no chastening seems pleasant, but afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. When people pass through the valley of the shadow of death, they grow in their appreciation for the way the Lord can produce greater fruitfulness in the worst of circumstances. If you are experiencing a drought in your area, in your family or in your work, remember that God sends the showers of blessings just at the right time.
The Lord supplies us with whatever we need according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. Ask the Lord to remind you how to echo the song of George Mattheson,
"Oh joy that seeketh me through pain. I cannot close my heart to Thee. I trace the rainbow through the rain and feel the promise is not vain. That morn shall tearless be.
4. Persecution tests the quality of oneâs character. Allow the Lord to help you become more complete in your honesty, Godliness, love, resilience, purity, and obedience etc.
5. Persecution exposes areas of weakness where our faith needs to become more complete. Ask the Lord to help you be willing to face correction positively so you are able to make the necessary changes that allow you to grow in ALL aspects into Christ and His ministry.
6. Persecution helps our faith, hope and love to get a stronger grasp on truth. When we have successfully passed through the storms of adversity we have a tighter grasp on what is true, good and wholesome.
7. Persecution rids our minds of lots of unnecessary thoughts, ambitions or desires. When we have learned Godâs lessons we are able to stop worrying about many non-essentials. Ask the Lord to help you to be willing to eliminate many unhealthy ambitions or desires.
8. Persecution helps us identify closely with Christ in more aspects of life. When a person experiences the pressures of hardships for the sake of Christ, they are richer for it. Ask the Lord to help you rejoice in the way you can become more like the Master in all ways.
9. Persecution is used to teach other people lessons about Godâs power and goodness. When observers watch the way the Godly respond to persecution they gain a greater appreciation for the way God’s grace, power, truth and love operate in reality. Ask God to help you to be willing to be used of God to teach others through your trials.
10. Persecution forces insular people to come out of their shells. Many individuals, families or nations are too content to remain insulated from the lost around them.
Ask the Lord to use persecutions, as He did in the World Wars to lift Americans eyes to the needs of the lost and hurting around the world. God can raise up many missionaries as a result of adversity.
