The Perks of Being Persecuted

The first time I heard this word was when my blockmates and I were having our devo at Tan Yan Kee building. While we were in the middle of the conversation, a guy from OSA approached and told us that what we were doing was against the university’s rules. He told us so many things (kinda hurtful but bearable) and he asked for a copy of Mike and Doc’s IDs and told them that when he sees the both of them doing those, there will already be a punishment. I was so mad at that guy because of what he did but Doc told me that she’s not mad but instead she’s rejoicing because it is written in the bible that whenever you are persecuted you have to rejoice because it means that you are in the right path.

When I first heard that, I did not understand it completely. But this past few weeks, I was able to learn and appreciate the joy of being persecuted.

I wasn’t expecting that I will be able to feel persecuted and insulted because of what I believe in. I believe that being a Christian and having a changed life is right but I never thought that some people may take it negatively. I was hurt, honestly, because I’m not expecting this will happen to me and that it will come from one of the most important person in my life. I was glad that he saw the change in my life but unfortunately, he is not happy about it. I saw tweets from his friends, he told stories about how his friends were making fun of him because of what I do  and I was insulted. I don’t want to be mad at them because I understand them and their situation and the I can’t bear the burden that anger brings to my heart. I just cried because of the pain I’m receiving. But I remembered what Doc said about persecution, and I was enlightened and I felt joy inside my heart and I realized what God wants me to know.

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” - 1 Peter 4:14

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.” - 2 Corinthians 12:10

He wants me to understand that I am in the right path. I should rejoice and be joyful because of the persecutions that I am facing because of His name.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28

I should hold on not only to His words and to His character but also to His ways.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31

I am now healed and ready to face every persecution that the enemies are planning. Bring it on world!