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“Therefore, brothers in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith.” I Thessalonians 3:7 (HCSB)

His agenda was loud and clear to threaten and murder the disciples. His goal was to silence them, imprison them and do whatever it would take to extinguish their voice. Standing in the midst of Stephen’s stoning, Paul’s desire to ravage the church grew with intensity – nothing would stop him or at least that’s what he thought.

Traveling the road to Damascus, Paul was wasting no time in reaching his destination. He was on a mission to imprison believers, but God had other plans. Blinded by the Light, Paul was confronted by the very one He sought to silence. “Why are you persecuting Me,” Jesus asked. Now that’s enough to stop anyone in their tracks. Blinded by the Light, Paul followed Jesus’ instructions and headed into the city led by those whose agenda was just derailed.

The dramatic conversion of Paul turned a persecutor into a passionate believer who would spend the rest of his life proclaiming the gospel. Paul would endure shipwreck, beatings, stoning, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst – an endless list of suffering and persecution (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). And because of the depth of Paul’s persecution, he knew how vital it was to encourage others facing the same. His second missionary journey landed him in Thessalonica; a bustling seaport. The perfect place for the gospel to spread yet Paul’s time there was brief.

Severe persecution would follow those who courageously believed in Jesus. Their faith, love and endurance encouraged Paul in the midst of his own suffering. Powerful truth for us all – when suffering comes keeping the faith speaks volumes to those watching.

Can honestly say I’ve never been persecuted for my faith – maybe laughed at or talked about – but never suffered the way these believers endured. I can freely hold God’s word in my hands and read it whenever I like. I can talk openly about the gospel and not fear for my life or the lives of my family. But if I ventured outside our country, I would find my faith tested in ways I’d never imagined on many foreign lands. I pray I would stay firm, strong and unmoveable if I were faced with persecution and yet in the same breath, the ease of my life softens my resolve.

Across our world today, believers are suffering greatly for their faith. Beaten, murdered, tortured, hungry and thirsty – may we never forget to pray for those who boldly proclaim His name regardless of the price.

“Father, the courage of those persecuted for their faith convicts my soul on so many levels. We fear sharing the truth because of self and Your children in other countries fearlessly defend their faith because of their devotion to You. Move us from complacency and excuse to action surrendering all at Your feet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life