Peresecution is a Blessing!

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:1-3)

It’s interesting the Stephens’ witness in death lead to a great persecution. Yet let us not believe that Holy witness always leads to persecution.

God brings about persecution for his purposes. Our responsibility is obedience to the spirit without particular regard for our circumstances. We may indeed be placed in a hard place, but it is to the glory of God.

Years ago when I was a student at MBI, Mr. Hanna was my teacher for the book of Acts. And one of the points made was how the book was structured geographically. First in Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and lastly to the end of the Earth – all based on Acts 1:8.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Acts 8:1 is the first point of transition from one geographic sphere to the next. And what grows this change?

Persecution.

It was God's plan from the beginning to have the church as witnesses in ever-increasing geographic circles – But in Acts 1:8 we are not told any means except the Holy Spirit. Now we see external means of another sort. Persecution of the church – spreads influence and also cleanses the church from false pretenders and bad doctrine.

Persecution is not bad - it may be intended as bad by the persecutor (Gen. 50:20), but God uses such for his purposes. Romans 8:28 is not simply a platitude, its reality!

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

It's a great blessing to remember Joseph, Job, Daniel, and all the rest who suffered for their trust in the all-powerful God! Just as they also trusted God, so ought we! God indeed means all things are for us if we are the called. And while all people encounter some difficulty in this life – it is the believer who can rightly esteem God’s intent, even when we do not know that intent. How so?

We know the One whose intentions are true and good and right. His intentions do not simply hang like a hopeful expectation – but rather God is able to make the outcome, exactly what he desires, using means that we cannot now see. But we who know our God – and who are known by him can have a hope that will not disappoint! (Rom. 5:5; Heb. 11:1)

There is a great cloud of witnesses in heaven who surround us to remind us to stand fast! (Heb. 12:1-2) See and remember their struggles and when you are troubled on every side – pressed down to the dust, recall we are not alone!

Read II Corinthians 4:8-18, Hebrews 11, Genesis 37-50. Be encouraged Brothers and Sisters! We have a great High Priest who is familiar with our weaknesses and cares for us! (II Cor. 4:9-11; Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Pet. 5:7)

Can I encourage you, who do not know the Lord to call upon Him? He says that “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37)

Amen