Persecution

2 Timothy 2:1-4
1) Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2) And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3) Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this
life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Persecution comes in many forms. It could be happening in your work place right now. You may be a preacher in a hostile political environment, perhaps in a place where Christians are a minority--and you fear for your very life. Some people into the occult will deliberately target Christians and harass them--it happens more often than a lot of people think. Persecution can arise even from members of your on family.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The scripture above is such a good verse to dwell on and remember. God can withstand any foe, any enemy which comes our way. But He will allow persecution to come against us, and it will come in different forms. Take comfort that the Greater One is on our side, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Ephesians 6:10-18
10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

You know, at times it seems some of us lose the war, and we see the brethren fall from a particular battle. We will not always get what we desire; and things may not turn out in a way which makes sense to our natural minds. But if you have received salvation through Jesus Christ, you will never truly lose.