Week 8 - SUFFERING HEARTS - Part 2

If we journey through our lives on the narrow road Jesus calls us to, we are going to collide with a world whose philosophies are moving them in the opposite direction. Those "collisions" will inevitably result in persecution of some form.

Persecution is a normal part of dedicated Christian living. Is it fun? Never. Is it real? Yes. Is it happening to people you know? Definitely. Is it happening to you? If not now - just wait, it will! Does that sound terribly negative? It's not.

Persecution is a normal part of dedicated Christian living. That means God has specific ways He wants believers to respond to it. How believers respond is important. It's part of our testimony to the grace and glory of God. It's what the watching world sees when they look at us. Bottom line - As believers we must respond to persecution and not react.

We do not react, then resent, and then retaliate. That's the way the world acts when difficulties come. Believers should respond in a positive way. We must learn to expect persecution so that we are not surprised when it comes.

Jesus tells us that believers' response to persecution is to:

• Reign - Matthew 5:10


• Rejoice - Matthew 5:12


• Release love - Matthew 5:43-48

REIGNING

When Jesus said "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven," He simply meant that believers can reign even in the midst of persecution. We are not victims. We are victors. Do you know that you are wearing a princess crown every day of your life, sweet sister? Your Heavenly Father is the Most High God, King of the universe. You are a joint heir with Jesus.

Who we are in Christ should shape how we respond to the events in our lives. The prophet Samuel anointed David king over Israel YEARS before David actually held that office. During those years, David endured great persecution. King Saul relentlessly and unjustly sought to kill David to the point that David had to leave home and family and live as a fugitive - living in caves and scavenging for food. Several times during those years David had an opportunity to react - to retaliate against Saul and ascend the throne. Instead, David chose to respond in respect of "God's anointed," as he continually referred to Saul, and to humbly trust God to work out HIS plan in HIS time. David knew God's hand was upon him. He knew God's presence was with him. David was content to walk in obedience to God in the midst of persecution and to humbly trust Him.

As believers today, we do not have to defend ourselves and retaliate when we are persecuted. We can reign over the difficulties of life by continuing to walk in obedience to God and humbly trusting Him to work all things in our life for His glory and our ultimate good.

REJOICING

In Matthew 5:12 Jesus said that when we are persecuted, we should "Rejoice and be glad."

Really??? When people are whispering about us behind our backs? When we lose our job because we witnessed to our boss? Rejoice and be glad? Really???

Yes. Really.

Is that possible?

The disciples did it. Acts 5:41 "The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worth of suffering disgrace for the Name."

Jesus said the reason we are to "Rejoice and be glad" is "because great is your reward in heaven."

Let me ask you something, sisters . . . how long will heaven last? Forever! How long will your life on earth last? Well, James 4:14 tells us that our life is "a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."

No wonder Jesus said "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal." Matt. 6:20 If we're going to be in heaven forever and here for just a few years, doesn't it make more sense to invest in forever!

Believers are to respond to persecution by reigning, rejoicing and by

RELEASING LOVE

Jesus said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Christian love is not a shallow sentiment. It is a settled attitude of mind and heart that leads to definite actions of the will. Christian love means that I treat others the way God treats me:

• patiently


• forgiving


• willing to sacrifice for their good


• whether or not they deserve it

God loved us when we were His enemies. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Love is best expressed in actions. Your motives may be questioned and your ministries may be rejected, but we must DO good toward our enemies if they are ever going to experience the grace of God and come to know Him for themselves.

Is your heart suffering today, sweet sister? RESPOND. Don't react. Your life is IN Christ Jesus, Who is seated at the right hand of the Father. REIGN with Him. You are not a victim. You are a Victor. REJOICE! The light and momentary troubles of this world will pass away. You are a partaker of eternal life. The kingdom of heaven is yours. RELEASE LOVE to those who hurt you. Pray for them to know the Savior Who fills your life with joy.