“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38).
“The early Christians endured [the spiritual] sealing their testimony with their lives. Regardless of social and economic status, and educational achievements; without mercy, nobility and the common person, whether rich or poor, they were executed for following Jesus Christ.”
“These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul;” [Nero hated Christians, executing the Apostle Paul simply because he was a Christian].
And this raging anger and hatred against the people of God was sustained for centuries. “Christians or falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declare to be the cause of great calamities–famine, pestilence, and earthquakes.”
“As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gaining money and material possessions, to betray the innocent.”
“They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as enemies of religion and viewed as invading pests. Great numbers were thrown to wild animals and burned alive in amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrown into the arena to be eaten by wild dogs.” The Great Controversy
As I read the historical account of the Christians in the Early Churches, I reflected on the trials and hardships that I have endured in the past 5 years; and realized that absolutely nothing, I have faced compares to true persecution.
The Apostle Paul Shares His Life of Persecution: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11, NIV).
Trials Are Part of Every Believer’s Faith Journey
“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20).
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12).
“The Bible indicates that followers of Jesus should expect persecution, framing it as a natural consequence of living a godly life.”
“Key Scriptures emphasize both the inevitability of suffering and the spiritual blessings associated with it, encouraging believers to respond with love and prayer rather than retaliation.”
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).
The Purpose of Trials
“Spiritual Growth: “Difficulties force people to stop leaning on human strength and trust completely in God.”
“Character Refining: Trials act like a refiner’s fire, removing bad habits, pride, and hidden defects so the believer can reflect the image of God.”
“School of Sorrow: True spiritual leadership and deep service require training through hardship; those with greater callings face the most difficult tests.”
How To Endure the Suffering of Trials and Hardships
Pray continuously, asking for God’s Divine Help, and expect Jesus to give you comfort, courage, and strength.
Rely On Heavenly Help: Unseen angels actively push back dark forces and bring peace to souls ready to faint under heavy burdens.
God’s Goal is for us to have the Loving Heart and Character of Christ
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32).
Lord God, we come to You with humility and gratitude. Your love for us includes desiring that none should be lost, because of unrighteous character traits. We ask You to forgive us for our sinful thoughts, habits and behaviors, and to do whatever is necessary for us to have a pure heart, so we will receive our reward of the Eternal Crown of Life. Lord, we also ask You for the comfort and strength to persevere in our Christian Journey. Help us to perceive life through spiritual eyes, using our time wisely as we prepare for Your Soon Coming. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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