Are you ready?

Tears are running down my face as I read personal testimonies of children, women and men that were slaughtered in Afghanistan simply because they professed Christ as their Saviour. * It's so incredibly hard to not think on this from a worldly perspective - which is just disgust for what happened, fear that it will certainly happen in the Western world soon, and a deep sadness for those faithful people and their loved ones. But Christ challenges believers to think from a Kingdom perspective, not a worldly one. * The scriptures instruct believers to not only EXPECT persecution for their faith but also to REJOICE when we experience it because our steadfast faith & loyalty produce much eternal fruit in the Heavenly realm. * Matthew 5:10-12 reads, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” * Revelation 6:9-10 reads, “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” * 1 Peter 4:12-14 reads, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” * And then the most challenging thing for believers...to bless and pray for those that persecute you & your loved ones. Romans 12:14 instructs us to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” *

So the question is, if you are a Christian who is really professing your faith in Christ and obedient to His Word, are you asking God to strengthen you and embolden you for the persecution that is coming? Because it's coming faster than we know.