This week I’m sharing some thoughts about facing trouble and persecution for your faith. When you look at the New Testament, it was expected that Christians would experience this.

An example is 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Paul writes, “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” He continues, “All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.”

That’s why you need to prepare to be persecuted.

I realize that “persecuted” is a heavy word. Usually it makes us think of people in dire situations overseas. Maybe you’re not used to applying it to yourself. Maybe you haven’t had to. Yet.

I’m not fear-mongering. As our society shifts further and further away from a biblical worldview and set of values, we need to shed some naiveté and live with our eyes open.

Maybe you lose a job. Certain friends fall away. Maybe you’ll be like a local family who claims they were denied adopting a baby because of their religion. Maybe you’ll be called a hater. Maybe you’ll be increasingly stripped of your religious freedoms.

That’s why we need to prepare. Not fear. Prepare.

The way you do that is to deepen your spiritual roots. Think of a plant. Roots go deep into the soil to nourish, solidify and strengthen the plant. That’s what Bible-reading, prayer, encouragement with other Christians, service projects, and worship do. They deepen your roots.

Deepening your spiritual roots isn’t just about growth, but ensuring you don’t get ripped out of the ground.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Today’s devotional is related to my podcast from Sunday about how we respond to the increasing trouble and persecution we face as Christians today. You can watch the video here. (For the audio only go here and scroll down.) I hope it’s helpful.
–My latest blog is “More than one or two “faith issues” at the polls.” Check it out here. Enjoy!
–Bible quotes from the NIV.