The Power in Persecution

"Persecution has driven the Body of Christ to the foundation of the Word Of God and a reliance on the Holy Spirit"
Pastor Dennis Balcombe

I did not go for Pastor Dennis Balcombe's meeting but I managed to get hold of his CDs and I spotted this statement made by him. This one statement revealed this to me, Persecution... aka trials and tribulations. There are 2 ways I can react to it. Stumble and fall, losing faith or... Increase my Faith, making it stronger and more Anointed than before! It is through such persecution that I believe defines and shapes one character, revealing our strengths and our weaknesses. Giving us the opportunity to improve myself.

Then this thought cross my mind out of no where. Why do Youths so on fire and so enthusiastic for Christ? Persecution! This is the factor that stretches one's Faith! As I know that as I continue to do His Will, I will have tribulations and would be oppressed by others in doing so.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

It is through such circumstances that God would reval Himself and do His miracles. God is most real to us at this moment of time! There were so many times in my life that I tried my best for the Lord but persecution from people around me overwhelmed, but God is good and He always reveal himself in a new and different way to me and does a Work that gets me throught. With every encounter, I have grown to realise that I have gone from strength to strength!

I also understand that even though I face tough times, that no matter what, God always remember what I have done for Him and the efford and determination I have placed. That is a point I have realised like what these verses speak off,

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Then God truly revealed to me this... There is a direct relationship between Persecution, Evangelism and Spiritual Growth! When you face one of the three, you will get the other two. For instance, when you evangelise, people will persecute you and mock you for what you are doing but in the process, you will grow even closer to God's Word and draw more from the Holy Spirit. When I get persecuted for my beliefs, its makes me grow more in the Lord as it would require me to press deeper into God's presence for His wisdom and help. And in due process, knowing Him better, I would seek to bring as many Souls to Christ, having His burden!

That is why Youths are so evangelistic! As they rely so heavily on Him. They dare to boldly spread the Gospel. This has really got me thinking of how I need to change and renew my mind. For me, I truly seek to grow in the Lord and bring the harvest in and that I have to understand that in this world we will have tribulation and that to a certain degree, trials actually act as an indicator that I am doing His will and purpose. I want to have even more boldness and courage to be able to change the world! Like it is written in the Beattitudes,

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.