Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)
Many people think that suffering persecution only refers to being mistreated or facing hardships. But the word persecution actually means to pursue someone.
Why would Satan cause persecution to come against you? He’s pursuing you to drive you away. What does he want to steer you away from? The powerful destiny God has for you. The enemy can’t afford to have determined, effective believers making a difference in the world!
You see, Satan isn’t worried about believers—until they begin to take God at His Word. When you start to live out His purpose, you become a significant threat to the enemy. Hell begins to tremble!
Satan will use persecution to try to manipulate you into making foolish decisions. His goal is to get you to make navigational errors and shipwreck on the rocks. By the way, persecution doesn’t necessarily come only through unbelievers or evil people. After all, the people who came against Jesus knew the Scriptures well. But that doesn’t mean we should be afraid.
Remember, the only power the enemy holds over you is the power you allow him. If Satan had tons of power, he would have taken Adam and Eve out head-on, but he couldn’t. He had to use the body of a snake, slither in and deceive them. Today, deception is still the only way he can deal with you.
That’s why you must take the time to guard your heart and mind with God’s Word—daily. It won’t matter what the enemy brings to bear against you because his tactics won’t derail you from accomplishing the assignments God has planned for your life!
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