Persecuted: but not Defeated

 Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith]. 2 Timothy 3:13 AMP

The word indeed is used to confirm something that has already been suggested. When we want people to confirm things in our lives, we want them to confirm the things that we want to hear. We want them to confirm that we are on the right path for success in whatever we are doing; we want them to confirm that the things we desire for our families and friends are coming to pass. We want them to confirmation that God is about to pour His bountiful blessings on our lives.

Unfortunately, that is not what is being confirmed here. The Apostle Paul began this chapter by telling Timothy that there were difficult days ahead. He went on to explain why these things would come to pass. You see, people would become lovers of themselves.  That self love is the root cause of evil behavior.  Paul’s life was a witness to this statement and he reminded Timothy of the things he endured. But he ended verse 11 by saying, “what persecutions I endured, but the Lord rescued me from them all!”

So whether we like it or not, persecution will come. God called and commissioned Jeremiah; He told him in Jeremiah 1: 9-10, “Behold (hear Me), I have put My words in your mouth. “See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To uproot and break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.” That was his commission from God; I’m sure it was not something that he would have chosen for himself. But it didn’t end there. Verse 19 says,  ^“They will fight against you, but they will not [ultimately] prevail over you, for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord.”

God calls each one of us to live righteously before Him.  2 Peter 1:3 tells us, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”  Indeed, we will be persecuted because of our faith but they will not prevail against us.

Thought for Today:  Friend, when you are persecuted God will deliver you.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.