“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.”
—1 Peter 3:14

There will be times when you will be rejected because of your faith in Jesus. Persecution will come. But I want you to understand that there is nothing to fear when these things happen. When you suffer because of your love for God and your faithfulness to His Word, you will experience a closeness and a deep fellowship with God that can’t be experienced when life is easy. Peter told us that even if we suffer, if we’re doing it for righteousness’ sake, we are blessed.

You see, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt. 5:10, NKJV). We often feel closest to God when we are going through trials. I believe this is because God condescends to meet us when we are weak. This is why Paul said he would rather boast in his weakness. He said, “[God] has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9–10, emphasis added). The Christian life will never be easy, but God’s power is perfected in our weakness.

Don’t be afraid of the world. Don’t be intimidated by the agnostics, the atheists, and those who call Christians narrow-minded haters because we proclaim that Jesus is the only way. Do not back down. You’re going to be rejected. You’re going to be persecuted. Jesus said, “‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20, NKJV). Beloved, you have been chosen by God not just to reign with Jesus but to suffer with Him as well. But don’t be afraid. Be a soldier. Be willing to take some blows because of your love for Jesus and your defense of the gospel. You are going to be rewarded for it. Be strong and courageous in your love of God.

Father God, I know that Yeshua suffered for the sake of the gospel, and I will suffer at times as well. Help me to be courageous and never back down from proclaiming Your Word.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Revelation (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2020), Used by permission.