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We were never promised easy.
Jesus tells us over and over that our lives may be tough if we choose to follow him. He does not whitewash it, dance around it, or even put a spin on the situation as is popular today in order to make us feel better about our choice. He just flat lays it out there for us to contemplate. I think that the disciples may have even been worried about how they would respond if faced with the persecution Jesus is describing. We should remember, however, that while Jesus is saying the words quoted in this passage to His disciples, He knows that shortly He will be leading them by example. He will provide them (and us) with the ultimate example of how to behave while being persecuted.
The words in this passage give us an insight into how best to be like him when faced with adversity. We should keep our focus on the eternal because “not a hair of your head will perish” and should rely on God to give us “a mouth and wisdom” to handle the tough situations we are confronted with.
We are called to be witnesses for Jesus. How we handle adversity in our lives is often what attracts non-believers to inquire about our faith. The inner strength given from knowing that God is with us during our trials is apparent to others. This verse is most important because it is Jesus who is telling us what He expects us to do. First he said it, and then he lived it. What can we do but follow the most excellent example he gave us?
How many times in the last week were you challenged because of your faith? I don’t get persecuted at work because I work at a Christian school. I don’t get challenged at home because I live with Christians. That is my norm. But the verse challenges me to be prepared for persecution and not to be surprised when it comes. It is nice to be in a season of peace thank-you Lord. Lord use this time of peace to prepare, to pray and to grow.
Thank you, Honey, for the reminder that we were never promised a life free of trouble, but that we were promised tht He would never leave us and would give us what we need! That’s a comfort to keep close when I am in the midst of a storm and also when things are peaceful – there is no need for anxiety or worry or dread for the future.
“For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
When I read these verses I had a flash back. When I was in my 20′s I preached in the open air on many different college campuses. I would be asked silly and hard questions about God and faith. Some days I would almost be paralyzed with fear before I spoke. Then one day in a quiet time I read these verses. I claimed them in my life. Each day that I went to speak on a campus I would quote this verse and ask God to come through because I was not smart enough to answer all the questions. I am glad to say that the Lord came through time and again. We do not need to fear when we walk into a situation where our faith is questioned. We just need to pray and ask God to speak through us. The Holy Spirit lives in us and wants to speak through us. So be courageous with your faith.
Thanks Vance for your insight and encouragement.