Exposed Thorns

 “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

 Persecution: hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs,

persistent annoyance or harassment

My Abba,

This is not a verse quoted often by Christians who want to live healthy and wealthy in a well-tended rose garden. Believers who live in relative “safety” are prone to think of persecution as something limited to what evil people do to our brothers and sisters in faraway countries.

Or in a broader sense, we think of cruelty perpetrated on those with less power because of religion, race, class or gender. But this says, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Although there definitely seem to be seasons and regions where persecution is relentless and dire, I don’t think our enemy only harasses those in openly oppressive countries. I think he uses, not just humans, but disease, devastation, abuse, and many other losses as he persecutes those who love you. I believe he can treat all those who truly commit to you with hostility, persistently annoying and harassing us.

This truth helps me make more sense of my life. Sometimes my circumstances just seem stifling and aggravating like the feel of coarse wool stuck to hot, sweaty skin. Other times though, life can feel excruciating as in, “I don’t think I can draw another breath with this knife in my belly.” But I have experienced the transcendent, unrivaled gift of your presence in all those moments. Thank you for never abandoning me in the heat of the battle.

Please give me everything I need to live for you in the midst of persecution. Because thorns can grow everywhere, even in a rose garden.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

Our enemy is an equal opportunity oppressor. He does not restrict his persecution of the saints to those in specific times or regions that allow, or encourage, overt persecution of my children. No believer is exempt.

His tactics can be blatant or covert, depending on what he thinks will be most effective. His strategy is to try to dishearten, distract, and disempower, so my children will feel weak, weary, and abandoned. He utilizes a “whatever it takes” approach.

Whenever those who love me step onto the front lines, there will be hostile resistance. That should not surprise you. I have warned you about the tenacious nature of tribulation. Just remember I am always greater!

You need my protection. My power is infinite. His is not. Ultimately, nothing can separate my children and me.

You are mine. Bring all your needs to me. I will not always give you an exemption from everything he hurls your direction. But I will give you what you need to walk through it gracefully, if you are willing to lean fully on me.

Bring me your envy when you see those prosper who don’t belong to me. It is not in our enemy’s best interest to oppose them. He wants them to pledge allegiance to anything, but me.

Stay close today. My magnificence prevails over every minefield. Depend on my direction, strength, comfort, grace and peace to navigate what is up ahead.

I love you,

Abba

 photo: janroz