Standing Against Persecution

James 1:4

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The new testament is littered with stories of the early Christians enduring in the face of hostility, persecution and even the death of their Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.  But be assured, the early Christians were not superhuman.  One has to look no further than the apostle Peter to see the weakness of his flesh.  As we examine the trials and failures of these early disciples, we find them persevering against their circumstances, not because of their own strength, but because of the overcoming power of Jesus that provided what they lacked.  

As hostility and persecution rises against Christians around the world, let us be encouraged by Peter's restoration.  He is a model for our hope in Christ.  And as persecution escalates in America, let us prepare to endure against the hostility that is burgeoning all around us.  Be certain that we are no stronger than Peter in our flesh.  Our first reaction to hostility will be to flee.  We cannot.  We must stand boldly on the truths of our faith.  We must turn to Our Savior for the strength and courage that we will need to stand against those who are defying Almighty God.

Thank the Lord for His salvation promise to complete every good work that He starts in us.  He will let nothing in our lives escape His attention.  He will steadfastly stand by us even as we stumble over and over.  Just as He changed Peter from a fleeing coward into the rock of the church, He will do the same for us in our time of need.  We will lack nothing in our time of trial if we are resting on Our Savior.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, blessed be the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.  Thank You for His steadfast work in our lives.  May we completely surrender our lives to the perfect ways of Your Son.  We pray, Lord, for the courage and the strength to defend our faith against those who seek to destroy it.  May we proclaim the way, the truth and the life that is Your Son, Jesus.  As we rise and fall in our frailty, may we rejoice in knowing that Your presence is always with us and You will not leave us before Your perfecting work is done.  The victory is ours through Jesus Christ.  We ask all these things in His precious and holy name.