Share Your Faith Anyway

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

─ 1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV

Share Your Faith Anyway

Have you ever hidden the fact that you belong to God because you were afraid of what others might think? More than 260 million Christ-followers reside in countries where Christians are tortured, imprisoned and even killed for their faith. One in every eight fellow believers across the globe experience persecution that many of us struggle to comprehend, simply because they desire to know God and experience the freedom only He can give.

Open Door USA publishes the World Watch List containing the top 50 countries it cost the most to live for Christ in order of the most extreme persecution. In countries like these, Scripture is cherished. Bibles are smuggled in by the bravest of souls, and people commit as much of God’s Word to memory as possible because the Bible in any tangible format can be destroyed.

In our verse today, Peter reminds us of Jesus’ words from Matthew 5:11. You should never be surprised when you face persecution because of your faith and trust in God. Instead, know that you are blessed because God’s presence rests upon you. Rejoice because through your pain and adversity, His glorious purpose is revealed.

When you suffer because you choose to remain loyal to God, you can trust Him never to leave you. He will go with you all of the way.

Today’s One Thing

Choose to be bold with your faith. Tell one person this week that you are a Christian and why. Ask God to open the door to this opportunity, and trust Him for the courage to follow through.

Additional Reading

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