Because Persecution is Increasing, You Should Be Encouraged

Persecution. The mere utterance of that word has the potential to deflate any conversation because it is a word that scares. It conveys intensity, drawing up images of those who are suffering for something they believe. For Christians, persecution is a very real thing that even if we don’t contend with it personally on a daily basis, we are driven to our knees in prayer by the awareness of others around the world who are enduring persecution. Several months ago, I had the privilege of attending a forum of mission leaders. At one point, a gentleman with intimate knowledge about the level of persecution around the world shared the following two current trends in persecution:

• In the last ten years, the level of persecution has intensified.
• In that same period, the number of countries with intense persecution has doubled.

In one sense, these trends seem subjective; after all, what does it mean for persecution to be intense? But for consistency's sake, these two trends come from a specific, extensive set of measures measured over decades. Therefore, these two trends are not arbitrary interpretations but come from ongoing observation. When you read that persecution is becoming more intense on a global scale, what is your first response? For most people, it is fear. That's a typical reaction and not out of line with the situation. But allow me to persuade you to consider another perspective.

There is another facet of persecution for us to consider, a facet that should act as both an encouragement and a motivator to us. Persecution against Christians means that there are other believers spread throughout the world. Perhaps even more critically, persecution means there are Christians who are so committed to the cause of Christ that they are willing to suffer, even to the point of death. At a time when it's easy to be discouraged by research and stories about those defecting from Christ, this reminds us that there are fellow believers laboring elsewhere in the world as well. Such commitment in the face of affliction and violence comes by the work of the Holy Spirit in one’s life, which tells us something else. It means our God is at work around the world. Through fear, it is He who sustains people.

Therefore, if He were not at work in the world we would not be the recipients of these stories of individual faithfulness and endurance. This is a reminder that God is not only at work but also always faithful. This ongoing work of the Lord reminds us of our work for the Lord. As we learn about the increase in persecution and see the Lord at work, one of the things it should compel is the need for us to labor. An increase in persecution in the world not only means that there are believers spread around the globe, but it also means there are unbelievers spread around the globe as well. Of course, this shouldn't surprise us.

usWe know that simply because it's true wherever you live as well. But when we see the lengths that people will go to suppress God's truth, it acts as a prompt to remember that the need for the gospel is still great. It's not our work that will save, nor do our labors change the reality of persecution. However, people are the means by which God accomplishes His work. Therefore, we labor because God labors through us.  With this in mind, I hope you're seeing something here. While fear is a reasonable response, what we fear more is God.

Therefore, as we look at persecution and hear reports of it increasing, we don't wallow in doubt and concern. Instead, we turn to the Lord to acknowledge His faithfulness by accomplishing His work in spite of the hostility. And do you know what happens? Our faith is confirmed and hopefully strengthened. Thus, persecution leads to faith rather than fear.