Lk 21:12-19
Perseverance
12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.
These warnings are dire, clear, and frightening. Followers of Jesus do not have it easy, but Jesus also assures us that he is on our side, giving us even the words to stand up for the Gospel as well as bear with rejection and persecution. We have seen all this in the 2000 year history of the Church. Even today persecution goes on but God's grace and protection are with those who suffer. May we offer our prayers, aches and pains, challenges and disappointments for them and not complain if we find life "too hard."
Bro. Rene
Dear God, I offer my trials for those who suffer more than I. Amen.
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