“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.(Luke 22:31,32)

Jesus was mocked and beaten. Jesus was persecuted. He suffered and died on behalf of sinners. Lord Jesus says, blessed are those that follow in his steps for his name’s sake. 

In John 15, Lord Jesus says, If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you

This confirms that persecution follows Christians where ever they are. It could come through church, individual attack, family or friends.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(Matt 5:10-12)

Luke 22:31 says, Satan tries to sift all of us. However, Lord Jesus prayed that they wouldn’t fall away from faith.

We also should prepare ourselves in prayer that we will not fall away from faith when the enemy attacks us.

We should pray that even when the enemy threatens to kill us, to kill the family members we should stay strong and never give up faith.

We read that Stephen was stoned to death. Yet, he didn’t give up his faith in Lord Jesus.

They cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.(Acts 7:58,59)

Stephen also prays, forgive them lord for their sins(Acts 7:60). In the same way, we need to forgive our enemies even when we are right with God.

Paul, before being transformed went from place to place persecuting people. Paul himself was persecuted many times to the point of death.

All the apostles were persecuted for their faith in Lord Jesus.

We waiver in faith with all the problems around us. Soon, there is a season that’s coming, where there would be worldwide persecution.

It might come from family members too. Whatever form it comes it, where it comes from, we need to be prepared.

Let us prepare for such times of persecution. Let us prepare ourselves in prayer and build up those who are weak.

Let us pray for Lord Jesus to pray for us and strengthen us,, that we may not fall away when the enemy sifts us

Let us overcome and be seated with Lord Jesus on His throne

God bless You

✍ Sis.Anita Thumma