Why is it so hard to live for Jesus in this world?
Jesus said in John 15:20, ” Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” In Matthew 24:9, Jesus said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
There are times in life when everything seems to be going along fine, with no problems or resistance. I guess you would call this smooth sailing. But when you stand up for Jesus and you take a stand for the absolutes of right and wrong, based on His word, the powers of this world will come after you with everything they got.
Right now my wife and I are going through a very difficult time with our extended family. We took a stand for Jesus and they are calling us self righteous, and preaching to them about our religion and not wanting to take their view of the world into account. One of life’s biggest lessons we need to learn is understanding human behavior and how much people want to be justified in the behavior and lifestyle they have chosen. Especially if that lifestyle goes against God’s commands and the truth that is in the Bible.
So, I guess what I am trying to say here is, be ready when you make a public stand for Jesus, and tell the world there is right and wrong and that Satan exists, because the attacks will come. They may just come from people that are closest to you. Even a family member you thought would never hurt you. But no matter what happens or comes your way, we need to keep standing strong for Jesus, no matter what, because what some people mean for harm, God will use it for good.
Jesus speaks the truth and is the truth and he will make any bad situation into something beautiful. Just keep on loving and standing strong in the truth of His love, you never know who is watching or listening or reading. Stand Strong on the promises of God.
May the God of creation, who sent His only Son into the world to save that which was lost, bless you and keep you. Amen
David,
my heart went out to you and Karen while reading the above, and I felt led to pray for you both! Two things stood out to me in what you wrote:
1) What some people mean for harm, God will use it for good. (Trust!)
2) Keep on loving and standing strong in the truth of His love, for you never know who is watching or listening or reading. (Love!)
Those are both keys to the victory which is ahead for you: Trust and Love!
This is what the Lord gave me for your encouragement, while journaling:
“My dearest son, David,
remember what I told those who would follow Me: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good courage, I have overcome the world! These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace.” (John 16:33) I will give you the power of My unconditional love to turn the hearts that are raising against you towards Me, in My time! And I will also give you My peace that passes all understanding and that will keep your hearts and mind in Me! (Philippians 4:7) So, let not your heart be troubled, have faith and I will bring it to pass!”
I hope it will be a blessing coming your way.
Yours, in His Love,
Renato
Hi David, Thank you for sharing your message above with such transparency. I say “yes” and “amen” to Renato’s counsel and Word from the LORD. Blessings of God’s peace that passes all understanding! Randy
David, good morning.
It’s so good to see your post as you are in familiar territory. During the years we’ve found that it’s one thing when those outside of our family respond as you’ve indicated, but when it comes from within our families the pain is so much more difficult to bear. I think of Christ and can only imagine His pain as our creator feels the attitudes that we exhibit as His children. For none are without blemish.
Our children have an inbred perspective of us as parents as preachy. After all, they have experienced it for many years as they and we have and continue to develop. Through these years I’m beginning to understand and yet have a long way to go; but here is a formula that is helping me. Ask, Don’t Tell. Live by example with Christ in you. Only Ask questions that may lead to encouragement and behavioral change. That change comes from within the spirit of our children and others. Tell little. Let your spirit and your attitude of living in Christ become the telling. Jesus will take care of the rest in time.
A verse of scripture that I was led to during my response to your need is found in Ephesians 4:22-24. I know you know the verses and it seems to apply here at least for me. Hopefully of some value to you, Karen and your family.
It is in Christ’s love that I write.
Your brother Ben
David, my dear brother in Christ,
You are engaged in spiritual warfare because you have taken a stand for Christ and truth. Family battles can be the most devastating of all. But take heart knowing that your God goes before you and fights for you. Be strong and ready to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. You will emerge victorious. Remember that your prayer team, your brothers and sistes in Christ, are praying for you. May these scriptures lift you and Karen above these earthly struggles.
Proverbs 22:24, A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Mark 3:35, (When Jesus’s family was outside seeking him.) He replied to them, “Who are my My mother and My brother?” And looking about at those sitting in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! Whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”
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