STAND COURAGEOUSLY IN OUR FAITH

Philippians 1:28-30 says, "Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself, for you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it." Paul was imprisoned or put under house arrest because of preaching and teaching that Jesus died for sins, was resurrected from the dead, and offered forgiveness of sins and eternal life for those who believed in Him. Paul didn't hurt anyone or commit any crime, but showed love to all the people by preaching the gospel, so that they may have a chance to hear the gospel and be saved. Paul was suffering, as were the other believers in Philippi, who began sharing their faith with unsaved people. And so Paul was encouraging the Philippian believers not to be intimidated by their persecutors, for God gave them the privilege to trust in Jesus and to suffer with Him. In addition, there would be judgment for those who hated them and refused to believe in Jesus. 

Jesus said, "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first (John 15:18)." Our Lord Jesus knew that the world would hate us, as believers, because the world loves sin and hates the truth of our Lord Jesus. And the reason for this is that Satan blinded the eyes of those who refused to believe in Jesus and deceived them into hating those who belong to Christ Jesus. What was happening in Paul's time is also happening to us today. There are many Christians all over the world who are being persecuted. According to the OpenDoors ministry, there are more than 380 million Christians suffering today because of their faith in our Lord Jesus. Click this link to read their report on Christian Persecution. As believers in our Lord Jesus, we must not be intimidated but stand firmly in our faith. Let us stop compromising and fully commit to living for our Lord Jesus at school, work, and everywhere we go. 

Let the people around us know that we have a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus through our actions and words. Let us pray that God will give us the courage to stand for our faith and pray for those who are being persecuted around the world.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Do I stand firmly for my faith wherever I am? What can I do to overcome my fear of standing up for my faith? What lesson did God show me in today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please continue to give me the courage to stand firm in my faith. I pray for my brothers and sisters in the Lord who are suffering right now because of their faith. Please strengthen them and provide everything that they need. I praise you that despite the persecution, you are still in control, and someday, all these sufferings will end, and all your children will be with you in Heaven forever, and those who refused to believe in you will be judged forever. Thank you for the hope that we have in you. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.