The Promise Of Persecution

    One of God’s promises that does not produce shouts of joy is the following: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).

    It is, however, extremely important for the Christian to understand this truth. And when seen in terms of identifying oneself with the suffering Christ, it takes on the joy of special privilege.

    Abraham Kuyper wrote: "Never can we escape the cross. And the proof of the genuineness of our endurance is just this, that we take up our cross daily, taking such burdens as God lays upon us, and bear the cross upon the way where He leads."

    Genuine love for God is expressed in a willingness to accept suffering, remembering that our bitterest trials are infinitesimally small compared with the suffering our Lord endured.

    – Alliance Witness