Hebrews 12:2-3 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
I should not be surprised when I encounter opposition to my faith. The Bible doesn’t promise that I will be spared of trouble, but rather that God gives me strength to endure it. I must fix my eyes on Jesus, remembering his great afflictions and also his joy in doing the Father’s will. In certain parts of the world right now, fellow Christians endure heinous persecutions and sufferings at the hands of extremists and totalitarians. It seems dark and hopeless, but Jesus has not abandoned them.
Father, you know suffering and grief. You know what it is to be despised and rejected. You, the Creator of the universe, know how it feels to be led to slaughter. Oh Lamb of God, please give courage to your children who suffer. Don’t let them lose heart. Remind them hourly of your love. May they fix their eyes on Jesus and experience joy as a miracle that cannot be explained away by their persecutors. And please bring even their captors to salvation.