This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
2 Timothy 2:11-12 NLT
In matters of the believer’s relationship with Christ, we have considered that there is an individual cross that we must carry. The Master’s instruction to everyone that wants to be His disciple is that they “must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Him” (Luke 9:23). Meanwhile, we realized that persecution is one of the things we can expect for faithfully bearing our cross. When we stay true to God’s word and His way, the world will hate and persecute us. But God wants us to endure until the end.
Therefor, there’s a trustworthy saying we must give a careful attention to, so that we do not lose hope, especially in times of persecution. All who have died to self and sin and are faithfully bearing their cross can expect that they will surely live with Christ Jesus for eternity. If we endure the hardships and suffering of persecution, we will reign with Christ.
Also, I would like to mention that God does not intend to use persecution to crush you. By allowing you to go through persecution, He certify the genuineness of your faith. Meanwhile, it also offers the opportunity of refining. Persecution is inevitable for all who would live a righteous life. So, God will not allow you to experience a test that you cannot bear.
We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.
1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT
So, the trial time is meant to be a trusting time also. God has strategically provided a way of escape into victory, you only need to trust and follow Him. However, if persecution has ever crushed you instead of you coming out victorious, I want you to know that God has not given up on you. His grace and mercy is available if you would rise to your feet again, and embrace His forgiveness.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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.
Matthew 5:10-12 NIV
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].
1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP
