Acts 8:4 Therefore they who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word.

 

Persecution makes us stronger. In times of persecution, trial, and tribulation, our faith grows just like the Christians of the First Church. If our faith is never put to the test, we have no idea how strong our faith really is.

 

Six times in the Word of God we find these words: I will never leave you nor forsake you. This is one of the greatest Promises of God. No matter what happens, God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always there ready, willing, and able to pick us up, brush us off and set us back on the right path.

 

In the 8th Chapter of the Book of Acts, we read where the Christians were severely persecuted. They were taken from their homes, arrested, beaten, and like Stephen, stoned to death simply because they were followers of Jesus. This same persecution is happening around the world today but the true, born-again believers and followers of Christ stand strong because they know God will never leave them nor forsake them.

 

It was because of the persecution that the First Church grew and spread to other places. While the first Christians may have been running from their persecutors, they never stopped preaching the Gospel wherever they went. They were fulfilling the Great Commission given to them by Jesus. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

No one wants to be persecuted. We all seek a place of comfort and peace, but it is in the midst of persecution that our faith grows. Right now in America, we see this happening. Just last week millions of people witnessed Damar Hamlin, a professional football player, drop over on the field due to cardiac arrest. It was a hard thing to watch but look what the Lord has done because of this situation!

 

Since that time, players have joined together in prayer for their safety. In the past, other players have been persecuted for praying before a game but now, it's not only permissible, but the television stations are broadcasting their prayers! In addition to this, a sportscaster prayed for Damar Hamlin openly on television during a broadcast.

 

Some may argue that this is due to their love and care for a fellow player, but it is actually due to the persecution they have all been forced to endure. It has to do with the mandated vaccine. It is evident that this “vaccine” is causing many side effects one of which is myocarditis, blood clots, and other serious problems resulting in death.

 

The fact that most athletes have been mandated to take the shot is persecution. Millions of people in every sector of society have been given little choice in the matter or they will lose their job and ability to provide for their families. This is persecution but as we are seeing, the Lord has not left us nor forsaken us! Through this persecution, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is stronger! People are turning to God. They are praying openly and believe that God hears their prayers.

 

I am praying that God will use this persecution to……..….turn the tide

 

God has a Plan!         Doreen

 

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