We certainly don't feel blessed when we're
being insulted and persecuted. But Jesus said in Matthew 5:11 that we,
in fact, are blessed in those times. The Lord's perspective on
persecution differs from ours. He considers it a positive thing if we
suffer in His name. You may ask why persecution benefits us.
First, it proves our faith. The only way we can know the
capacity of our faith is through testing. When we persevere through a
trial, we begin to understand our ability to remain steadfast and
obedient in the midst of challenges. We also learn the magnitude of
God's strength to support us through persecution.
Second, persecution purifies our lives. It snaps our
attention away from meaningless things and onto the Lord. We're driven
into His arms by suffering. As we grow closer to Him, He'll remind us
of wrong attitudes and actions. Some may be related to our trial and
others may not. Persecution is a powerful cleansing tool.
Third, it prepares us for greater service. Suffering
breaks our pride and self-reliance, attitudes that hinder our
usefulness for the Lord. Pride crumbles when we realize we're incapable
of living the Christian life alone, especially when we've been insulted
and hurt.
A life of ease and pleasure isn't always a sign of
blessing. First Peter 4:12 says to not "be surprised at the fiery
ordeal ... as though some strange thing were happening". If persecution
strengthens our faith, purifies our hearts, and equips us for greater
service, then we should thank the Lord for the way He'll use it in our
life.
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