October 6

persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. — 2 Cor 4:9 BSB

No matter what injury persecutors inflict on a Christian, they cannot take away his God. They may destroy his body, but they cannot touch his soul. They may ruin his reputation, but they cannot harm his conscience. They may take all his earthly possessions, but they cannot lay a finger on the treasure God has placed within him. Even if everyone forsakes him, just as they abandoned Jesus, God has promised, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” So why should we fear persecution for righteousness' sake? If the Lord is on our side, whom should we fear? Who can harm us if we are doing what is good?

But remember, it must be persecution for righteousness' sake. Don’t call it persecution if you’re suffering for your own faults. Don’t think you are being persecuted if your inconsistencies have rightly brought you the reproach of men or the rebuke of those who fear God. But if your suffering comes from doing God’s will from the heart, you will feel God’s approval in your conscience, and you will find that your persecutions bring an even greater sense of your great High Priest’s sympathy. As your sufferings increase, so will your consolation.

It would be tragic if, in the midst of her persecution, the Church of God had to endure the added burden of God withdrawing His presence. But she never leans more closely on His chest than when He allows her to drink from His cup and shares in His suffering.