PERSECUTION IS PREPARATION | Ben Gilbert

If there is an overriding theme in Luke chapter 21 & 22, it would have to be persecution. In Luke 21, Jesus talks about persecution with the disciples and then, in the next minute, (Luke 22) Jesus is persecuted in front of the disciples. In Luke 21, Jesus talks about the persecution that the disciples will soon experience and in Luke 22, Jesus himself experiences persecution. What a crazy contrast! 

I am a passionate builder of the Church. And while I am passionate, I have learnt that God is far more passionate about His Church than we ever could be. However, if God is so passionate about building the Church, why do we experience persecution in the process? Why does God allow something to come against something He is for?

God doesn’t always remove the persecution we face because persecution gives birth to what is required to build the Church. As a Christian, persecution is a part of the breaking, shaping and polishing of who we are. It is needed to prepare us and to stretch us for the future. It is humbling and this makes us far more authentic as believers. 

Luke 21:13 (NKJV) says ‘But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony’. So, as painful and frustrating as persecution can be, it allows the power of God to work within us, so that God can do exceedingly, abundantly above things through us as we share our testimony of the gospel. 

Therefore, don’t be surprised if persecution comes. Be encouraged, it is just a sign that God is testing your heart and preparing you for what is to come. Persecution is preparation. As Luke 21:19 (NIV) says, ‘Stand firm, and you will win life’.