Those Who Persevere Under Trial

 We live in a fallen world, and there are many challenges that face the believer who has not only trusted Christ for salvation, but is also ready and willing to deny self, take up his cross and follow Christ’s example. 
 Many, if not all believers, are called to become mature in the faith by walking in spirit and truth and living godly, Christ-centered lives, but few are willing to exchange the cozy blessings of early Christian infancy, for the difficulties that inevitably follow the mature believer. Few choose to leave behind the elementary teaching about Christ, and press on into maturity.
 Many are falsely taught that becoming a Christian will secure a quiet life and provide a ticket to prosperity, with numerous earthly blessings and a free pass from God, to prevent or remove any difficulties or dangers that may arise. But this is not what the Bible teaches. We live in a fallen world with a spiritual enemy who prowls around as a roaring lion or appears to us as an angel of light, seeking to devour, destroy, or deceive us.
 Jesus clearly told us that in this world, those who believe in Him would suffer persecution and pain, and Paul expands that truth by adding that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. James encourages us by explaining that Those Who Persevere Under Trial, on the journey to maturity, will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him, and He exhorts us to... consider it all joy, when we encounter various trials.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being one with Christ, positioned in Him, and clothed in His righteousness. Help us to take this verse seriously, that we will suffer persecution if we live godly in Jesus Christ. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for any attack that the evil enemy of our souls can throw at us, and that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.