Dear Remnant Believers: "Take Heart!"

In today’s world, Christians who love God’s truth are constantly under attack and are pressured to accept lies in disguise. It can be discouraging at times. 

I often feel overwhelmed with the amount of deception and persecution Christians face and the task of speaking up in an increasingly hostile world.

I need to remember that I can still have peace and joy in Christ.

So I'm writing today's devotion for me and for any of you who also feel weary from the battle. Let's build our courage and perseverance by remembering what Jesus told His disciples:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! 💙 I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Sometimes we need to “cultivate” that peace and remind ourselves that: 

1. Suffering in this life is insignificant when compared to the joy and peace we have waiting in eternity.
2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4.

2. Others have persevered, and we can too if we remember how much Christ suffered for us. 
Hebrews 12:1-3

3. Our Lord is aware when we stand firm, speak truth, and suffer persecution, and He promises to reward us.
Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:12.

So let’s listen to Christ and “take heart!” He knows what we're suffering, and He is with us.

See full text Scriptures below.

💙💙💙

For more encouragement, see Be Prepared: Understand Why Christians Are Never a Majority and Be Prepared: Don't Neglect These Three Essential Elements of Remnant Faith. And if you have time, read the whole Prepared for Persecution Collection.

2 Corinthians 4:17: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Romans 8:18: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

1 Peter 1:6-7: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hebrews 12:1-3: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Matthew 5:11-12: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

James 1:12: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 

BLN