It sure seems like we Christians are coming under increasing attack lately. Here in the United States it is a social and cultural attack. Around the world it has become increasingly physical, and in some countries it is very dangerous to be a Christian. Just this past weekend we saw an attack against Christians in Sri Lanka where many were killed. Don’t kid yourself, we live in difficult times as the enemy of our souls spreads his evil intent around the globe. The devil knows his days are numbered and he is fighting to take as many with him as he can. Pray for the persecuted church and for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.
An important part of our prayer for persecuted Christians and for ourselves is for us all to remember who we are in Christ. When we remember who’s we are and the price that was paid for our salvation we become stronger and better equipped to face adversity. We will not find ourselves defined by our circumstances and trials, but instead we will be refined by those trials and we will continue to grow closer to Christ.
In John 1:12 we learn “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name…” Again in Ephesians 1:5 we read “…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…”. And there are many more verses to remind us that we belong to Christ. Take a few minutes to read Romans 15:7, Colossians 2:9-10, I Corinthians 6:17, Romans 6:6, Genesis 1:27, Jeremiah 1:5, I Corinthians 12:27, I Peter 2:9, Galatians 3:27-28, I Corinthians 6:10-20, I John 3:1-2 and Colossians 3:1-3. Meditate on these verses and realize that we belong to God and He has our lives in His hands. Get strength in knowing who you are and who you belong to!
John Ohanian