In our series “UNITY” we came to the part of unity prompted by persecution, Persecution refers to being the target pursued by an adversary. Jesus warned that those who follow Him would face persecution-simply because they follow Him!
It is not because of wrong committed, nor of failure, but just because you identify with Christ, Can you accept this? Are you willing to endure this? Jesus clearly set forth, “If any man would be My disciples, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me!” Note the following; it will help you carry your cross.
• Consider who Jesus is and confess, ”My steps are ordered are ordered of the Lord.”
• Count the Cost! Flee or Fight? One writer noted when Jesus was about to be attacked by a mob, He “Withdrew Himself.” In the Book of Acts, the apostle Paul heard a mob was coming for him and left the city via a rope and a basket over the city wall. Sometimes we stand and sometimes we take “the way of escape” available. Only you can make that decision.
• Connect to Community! Get connected with others in the Community of Christ. Don’t isolate yourself. We need one another and we support one another. :There is no trial you are facing but that is common to man…” We understand and we care.
• Corporately Pray! Nothing builds unity like praying for one another. When we hold each other up in prayer it creates a bond stronger than death! We experience the ever deepening awareness of belonging as well as the strength of standing in the gap for one another!
• Commit yourself to God! “Having done all stand!” declares the Holy Spirit. At some point you will have done all you can and you must commit yourself and your way to the Lord, trusting Him that “all things work together for good to them that love God and are called to His purpose.”
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