We watch the news and wonder what happened to our nation. We see evil celebrated, biblical truth rejected, and hostility toward Christianity increasing. Even in our own lives, disappointments, unanswered prayers, and difficult circumstances can leave us asking, “Why isn’t life better than this?”
But what if our discouragement points to something deeper?
Today’s readings reveal two very different responses to hardship. Israel had God’s miraculous provision every day, yet remained dissatisfied. The early church faced intense persecution, yet experienced remarkable joy as the gospel spread.
What’s the difference?
And could the secret to lasting peace and contentment have far less to do with our circumstances than we imagine?
What would you do if someone threatened you for talking about Jesus?
Would you become more cautious? More silent? More fearful?
Most of us probably would.
But in today’s reading, Peter and John do something completely unexpected. After being threatened by powerful religious leaders and ordered to stop preaching about Christ, they don’t pray for safety. They don’t ask God to remove the opposition. And they don’t retreat.
Instead, they ask for something surprising.
Why would persecution make them bolder rather than more fearful? What did they understand about God that allowed them to see threats differently than most of us do?
And what if opposition, criticism, and even persecution are opportunities for God to do something greater than we ever imagined?
Today’s readings challenge us to think differently about hardship, courage, and the sovereignty of God.
It’s not a question most of us are eager to answer.
We don’t usually think of persecution as something beneficial. We think of it as painful… unfair… something to avoid if at all possible.
And while it’s true that not all persecution is extreme or life-threatening, it still cuts deep. Sometimes it comes quietly—in the form of rejection, misunderstanding, or subtle opposition. And sometimes it comes from the people closest to us, which can make it even harder to bear.
So what do we do with it?
More importantly, what does God do with it?
Scripture shows us that God doesn’t waste even these painful experiences. He can use persecution in ways we might not expect—for our growth and for His glory.
But that leads to a deeper question:
How will we respond when it comes?
Will we respond in ways that allow God to work in us and through us… or will we miss what He intends to do?
It’s hard to ignore the growing tension around truth.
In many places today, truth is no longer seen as fixed—but something to be defined, shaped, or even rejected. And for those who look to God’s Word as their authority, that shift can make everyday life more complicated.
Some Christians find it increasingly difficult to live and work without feeling pressure to compromise their convictions. In certain settings, simply standing for what Scripture calls right can bring criticism, misunderstanding, or even opposition.
So where do we place our hope?
It’s tempting to look to cultural shifts or political solutions for protection. And while those may influence things for a time, they can’t ultimately solve a spiritual problem.
Which leads to a more important question:
How do we prepare ourselves to stand firm in a world where truth is continually being challenged?
Things in our culture are changing rapidly. Many believe the attacks on biblical principles, the marginalization of our beliefs, the loss of our freedoms, and the persecution toward us as believers will continue to increase. How will we respond to the challenges? Will we stay true to what we say we believe? Will we continue to stand up for biblical truth when it’s unpopular? What if it were outlawed? What can we do to prepare ourselves for what could happen?
Through the centuries, Christians have been burned at the stake, sawed in two, and crucified. They have been shot, fed to lions, and forced to choose between their faith and their freedom. Many were gassed along with the Jews for harboring their Jewish neighbors. These were people who were committed to their faith.
But according to Voice of the Martyrs, “More men and women are being persecuted today for Jesus than at any other time in human history. Millions of Christians face intense persecution and risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel.”
The Bible teaches that in the last days, evil, including every kind of persecution will continue to grow. But here in the US, we often feel somewhat insulated from all this. Most of us, probably, can’t imagine beheadings or people being burned alive here. But what if we were faced with the choice to stand up or betray Christ in the face of intense persecution? Would we be as committed to our faith as other believers around the world or as Christians in times past?
And I wonder, are we as committed to our faith as many of our Muslim neighbors are to theirs?
Do you want to make next year the best year ever in your Bible reading? If so, you need more than what you get on Sunday morning no matter how good the preaching is. You, also, need more than a verse or two on a smartphone app. You need to wade in.
In the last two chapters of Ezekiel, the Prophet had a vision of a river flowing out of the Millennial Temple. It represents the gospel and the fullness of Scripture. Some things are “ankle deep”—easy to understand. Others are “knee-deep” and require more study. Others are deeper still and we may not be able to understand them fully. Even so, God wants us to wade in so we can grow in our understanding of Him and His Word.
Also in today’s post, read about 4 attitudes to have in the midst of trials and persecution.
My free God’s Word Day by Day devotional can help you get more from your Bible reading whether it’s ankle deep, knee deep, or deeper still. In fact, this coming year could be your best year ever!
And if you’d rather follow along as I read through the Bible on YouTube, you can subscribe here.
The Apostle Peter wrote this first epistle to people who were facing a great deal of hardship and persecution from those in authority and from unbelievers in general.
How do you respond to persecution and mistreatment when it comes? Are you shocked and angered by it? Or do you respond in godly ways? What was Peter’s advice to God’s persecuted people in the first century and could it be just as important for us today?
Ezekiel was called to speak truth to a hard-hearted and rebellious people, but God gave him the strength he needed and told him, “Do not be afraid of them!”
We live in a time when people have similar attitudes and responses to the truth. Sometimes we will suffer persecution, not just for what we say or do, but for who we are, because darkness hates the light. And sometimes, our persecutors can be people close to us, even our own family members.
Also, what can we learn from Jesus about persecution? And what did Peter, who once denied his Lord, learn that can help us trust God and have the strength to do what He’s called us to do?
Christians throughout the centuries have been persecuted, rejected, and martyred for their faith. Why does the world seem to hate us so much? Paul Nyquist, in his book Prepare: Living Your Faith in an Increasingly Hostile Culture, lists 3 reasons. And while we can’t avoid these truths, there is an important word of caution we need to consider.
