Remain Faithful and Steadfast

A Devotional on Remaining Steadfast in Persecution

This word is for those of you who have been persecuted for the sake of Christ and for your testimony. Maybe in your ministry you have been slandered, gossiped about, neglected, left, or betrayed. If that is where you find yourself today, this is for you.

I want to encourage you to remain faithful and steadfast and true to Jesus Christ. Do not feel dismayed. Do not become overwhelmed. Trust in the Lord and trust in His good work and what He has in store for you.

The Irony We Must Confront

Think about how we as American Christians admire and look up to believers in India or Africa who have lost their entire families because of their walk of faith — because of their obedience to Christ. We hold them up as heroes of the faith.

And yet here in America, if we have one person that speaks against us, or if we have conflict with our family for the sake of Christ, we are seen as ungodly, bad people — probably not even Christians. It is so ironic, and it is so hypocritical.

We must confront this double standard honestly. The word of God does not change based on which country you live in. Persecution is persecution — whether it costs you your life or your reputation.

What the Word of God Says

Do not be confused about what is happening to you. Remember what the Word of God says:

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." —2 Timothy 3:12

"Remember the word that I said to you: a servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." —John 15:20

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." —Matthew 5:10

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

—John 16:33

"Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though

something strange were happening to you." —1 Peter 4:12

In America, when there is a trial or people speak against you, the whole Christian world can think you are evil, bad, and that you have done something wrong. That is not right. The Word of God says we will be persecuted. The Word of God says we will be treated this way — we will be gossiped about and slandered. So be encouraged.

Nothing Can Separate You

Stay strong in the Word and remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Absolutely nothing. No tribulation, no distress, no trial, no persecution, no famine, no nakedness, no danger, no sword. The Word of God is clear in Romans — nothing can separate you from His love.

"Neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution, nor famine, nor nakedness, nor

danger, nor sword... nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us

from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." —Romans 8:35, 39

Keep pressing on. Keep proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ.

Application: Stay Strong

✦ Do not feel dismayed and do not become overwhelmed. When the slander spreads and others believe it, bring your heart to God in prayer before you respond to any person.

✦ Trust in the Lord and in His good work. His plan for you is not derailed by what others say about you. What He has in store for you is not canceled by a false narrative.

✦ Remember the Word — it predicted this. When persecution comes, go back to 2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:20, and 1 Peter 4:12. Let Scripture reframe your circumstances before anything else does.

✦ Look to the global church for encouragement. Think of believers in India and Africa who have lost their entire families for the sake of Christ and remained faithful. Let their endurance strengthen yours.

✦ Stay steadfast and true to Jesus Christ. Not to your reputation, not to being understood, not to vindication — but to Him. That is the only anchor that holds in this storm.

Keep pressing on. Keep being faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you.