II Timothy 3:12 (KJV) Says "Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." I Thessalonians 5:2 (KJV) Says "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
Do you ever become discouraged or feel rejected and alone because you have chosen to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and to be a witness for Him? As the above scripture from II Timothy tells us, when we choose to live Godly lives we will be persecuted. Please note it doesn't say that this is a possibility, but rather that it is certain. There have always been people in the world who persecute believers in Christ. Remember when you are persecuted for His name's sake that Jesus himself was persecuted, and He says in Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV) "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." We cannot allow ourselves to be silenced due to rejection, and persecution. As believers, and witnesses for Christ we must continue to spread the Word of God.
The Bible is filled with scripture that will uplift and encourage us as we go about witnessing for Christ. Jesus also says in Luke 10:16 (KJV) "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth Him that sent me." Those who reject and persecute you for spreading the Word of God are not just rejecting you as a witness for Christ, but they are persecuting and rejecting Christ who lives in you. There are non-believers who will reject you, and there are believers who will not want to be around you. Non-believers because they are not yet ready to hear God's word, and believers, because they know the truth already and feel convicted if they are not living it. Then there are some who opt not to be around you because they feel they must be on constant guard of their words and actions in order not to offend you in some manner. Jesus says in Matthew 10:14 (KJV) "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." If your witnessing is not well received and that is made clear to you, then leave knowing you've done what you could.
On a personal note I have experienced a great deal of rejection secondary to answering God's call on my life. There are people who in the past would call me and talk for hours, and now calls from these individuals are non-existent. On rare occasions I may receive a text from one of them, but to call me for a chat, well lets just say that rarely happens. Needless to say social invitations from this circle are as scarce as the phone calls, and I can assure you I have experienced a great deal of loneliness. I have walked into rooms where the conversation immediately ceased, and if I ask what was is being discussed I get the response of "nothing." I have been in situations where it is obvious people are very uncomfortable with my presence and feel as though for some reason they can't be themselves. If you have experienced things like this and are feeling lonely, hang on because God is always with you, and He will send people into your life that enjoy being around you, and that are drawn to you because of your faith in Him. With that said, I would not change my decision to follow God, and I've never been more at peace in my life. When we opt to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and live our lives in obedience to Him we gain a divine peace and experience a level of comfort like none other.
Friends, I want to encourage you to continue to spread the word of God. Let the way you live your life, and the choices you make serve as a witness for Him also. Don't be disheartened and feel defeated due to persecution, and rejection. Remember the above scripture, and draw from it the strength you need to carry on. Don't go around condemning and "Bible Thumping" as they say, displaying a "Holier Than Thou" attitude, but rather by love, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and by good example be a witness for Christ. Conducting ourselves in a condemning, judgmental, fire and brimstone manner only serves to run people away from the Lord, and that is the exact opposite of what we want to accomplish. Remain humble in all you do, remembering that Jesus Himself washed the disciples feet.
Remain steadfast in your faith, continue to be a witness to others, knowing that time is precious.The world is full of lost souls that desperately need to come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. As the above scripture tells us in I Thessalonians, Jesus will return like a thief in the night. No one knows when a thief is coming. He makes no announcement or phone call telling you when to expect him. He comes in an instant and catches people off guard. Don't be one of those people. Don't be caught off guard. I am pleading with you to be prepared. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, and you have the desire to do so, go to him in prayer immediately, right where you are, ask him to forgive you of all your sins, tell him you believe that he was born, that he died on the cross for your sins, and that he rose again. Ask him to come into your heart, and be your Lord and Savior. It is the greatest decision you will ever make.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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