Enduring Suffering and Persecution

I understand that life in the 21st century and in the western part of the world is not always like life in the 1st century.  Many technological advances and changes have happened over the years.  While Christians are being martyred in other parts of the world, many who read these words will not know the level of persecution of other Christians around the globe.  But I also understand that there is a price to pay for our faith no matter where we live.  I have watched people walk away from life long friendships simply because their friend became a Christian and began to believe differently.  I have witnessed folks endure ridicule and verbal abuse because of their faith.  I have even seen people denied access to some places because of their Christian belief.  Unfortunately, I have also seen families abandon relatives once they began a life with Jesus.  While our persecutions may happen at different places along a spectrum, it seems to be true that if we decide to follow Christ, we will undoubtedly experience suffering or persecution of some sort. Revelation 2:8-11 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty-- yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. ¹¹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Today's Prayer:
Gracious God, help us to see that you are our rock and our refuge.  Help us to experience your strength, your grace and your peace, no matter what we must endure in terms of persecution and suffering.  For our brothers and sisters around the globe that experience much more persecution than we do, help us to be ever mindful and to lift them up regularly in prayer.  Open our eyes and our ears and our hearts that we may be in tune with you in all of our journeys with you.  Help us to discern when and how we might be your hands and feet with those enduring persecution of all kinds.  Amen.