05/03/2014 - WHAT GOD IS SHOWING

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For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake. Acts 9.16

Saul of Tarsus was known as a persecutor of the Christian church, but on the way to Damascus, he had an encounter with the Lord Jesus and was converted. This shows that those who are against the Gospel today might be preaching the divine Word tomorrow. Paul felt on his own skin how painful it is, and at the same time, how rewarding it is to suffer for the loving God. May his example serve for all the servants of the Most High, for the devil will try to shut the voice of the sons of God.

Throughout all generations, the Body of Christ has seen many of its members become martyrs. Their blood was like a seed, for when one “fell”, others accepted the faith and continued the work. Although we are in times of peace, we must always be on alert, for the enemy has not converted and will never do so. He will use some of his demons to persecute those who carry out the divine work, for his method of operating is always the same.

There are things that we would not like for them to happen; yet they are necessary for the advancement of the Message of salvation. For this reason, he who has been chosen to suffer should not rebel against the divine plans. The suffering of many may be the only manner to make others find their way. However, one thing is certain: those who suffered for loving the Gospel will receive a great reward from the Lord.

Jesus was clear when he informed that we would be persecuted. Now, if there were people who persecuted Him, why wouldn’t there be people disturbing us as well? Therefore, it is not abnormal if persecution rises against you, for the Scriptures say that this is already predicted for all who desire to live godly lives (2 Tm 3.12). However, another thing is certain: the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church (Mt 16.18b).

The Message of salvation terrifies the devil, because as soon as someone starts using the Name of Jesus, the same miracles that happened in the days of the Lord start happening again. Being so, many people convert from their wicked ways. This is the reason why the enemy raises his servants to persecute the saints, who are only seeking to fulfill the divine commandment. However, shame on those who work with Satan, for they will pay a very high price.

Although we live in peaceful times, we must prepare for the days of persecution that will come, so that there is no one caught off-guard with what is to happen. The battle may become more serious and fierce, seeming almost impossible to be won. However, our God promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us (Dt 31.8). If we are with the Lord, we do not have to be worried with what will come tomorrow, since the power of the Most High will help us in everything.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares