How To Avoid Being Defeated When You’re Being Persecuted
We’ve all heard accounts of religious persecution that has happened in the past. And historically, it seems that Christians and Jews have been the primary recipients of this injustice.
Between what’s happening in the world today and reading today’s Psalm, I couldn’t help but ask the following question…
How can individuals avoid being defeated when they’re being persecuted?
Holman Bible Dictionary defines persecution like this…
Harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, worldview, culture, or race. Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish, or even kill people.
World Watch List 2023 at Open Doors states that “more than 360 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith … 1 in 7 Christians are persecuted worldwide.”
These past few weeks we can see that the persecution of Jews has increased around the world, and many feel that there has been an increase in Christian persecution as well.
Today’s Psalm indicates that being persecuted is nothing new for God’s people…
From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me,
Psalm 129:2
but they have never defeated me.
By God’s grace, God’s people have never been destroyed completely … not in the past, the present, or the future. We have God’s promise that His Kingdom will endure forever because Jesus has already won the victory over sin, death, and the works of the enemy.
Why are Jews and Christians the most persecuted people of faith around the world?
I believe it’s because God’s Word is TRUTH. The enemy knows he has been defeated and he will always use whatever and whoever he can to attack God’s children because it is his only way of fighting against the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Jesus said to those whose stubborn pride and prejudices kept them from believing in Him…
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44 (CSB)
And Jesus predicted that His followers would be persecuted…
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”
John 15:18–19
So yes, God’s chosen people are being persecuted and hated but remember the second part of Psalm 129:2 … “they have never defeated me.”
By God’s grace, through faith in Jesus, we are God’s children. We are members of His family and citizens of His eternal Kingdom. And because Jesus defeated satan and won the Victory nothing in this world can defeat God’s children.
Psalm 129 also adds a foreshadowing of the battle Jesus suffered for us…
My back is covered with cuts,
Psalm 129:3–4
as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
But the Lord is good;
He has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.
We don’t need to be afraid. Jesus endured our punishment and we have been set free.
He promised, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul.” (Matthew 10:28)
Christ Jesus saved our souls by God’s grace. Even though we are persecuted, when we SEEK, KNOW, LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY the Lord we can live each day with confidence that God will protect our souls and give us everything we need. Absolutely nothing can snatch us from His loving hand…
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Romans 8:38
My prayer today is that Jewish people everyone will come to SEEK, KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST Jesus and that our Heavenly Father will protect His people when they are being persecuted.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Live in Victory
When You’re Being Persecuted
Father God, You call me Your child because I have placed my faith and hope in Your Son, Jesus. Your Word tells me to expect that the world will “hate” me because I love You. It has been true throughout history and it is still true today. In fact, Father, it seems like it’s getting worse than it has been in many years.
Lord, I admit that I hate even the idea of suffering for my faith. Please forgive me for the times I am inclined to be silent rather than boldly speaking the truth and sharing my faith. I want to boldly live in the victory You have already won for me.
My prayer today is that I will remember that You have defeated the enemy. He is fighting from a position that can only cause discomfort in spiritual battles but he can never win this war. The outcome has already been determined.
So, I will forever praise and thank You. Even when I am being persecuted, I will cling to the promise that nothing and no one can separate me from Your love. By Your grace, I am Yours forever and always. Please give me the courage and strength to bravely share Your love with everyone I meet. Please bring Jewish people around the world to faith in Your Son, and our Savior, Jesus. It’s in His name, I pray. Amen.
Jesus said…
Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you.
John 15:20
But He also said…
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19–20
So with the Lord’s help, we can follow the words of Lottie Moon…
Only believe, don’t fear. Our Master, Jesus, always watches over us, and no matter what the persecution, Jesus will surely overcome it.” ~ Lottie Moon – Missionary to China
May the Lord bless you as you boldly stand in faith even when you’re being persecuted.
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How I needed this encouragement today, Deb! I echo your prayers for all who are being persecuted. Lord, help us all, all Your children, in this time of hate for Your truth.
Blessings!
I so glad it encouraged you, Martha! I have been overwhelmed by the timing of these Psalms this year. I really do believe the Lord led me to this year’s project because He knew I would not be alone in needed these words in my heart and mind. God be with you and bless you with a wonderful weekend.
I too, needed this today, Deb! Loved your statement, BUT GOD’S TRUTH WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED.” I have gone from great anger to deep grieve over all that is happening concerning Israel and Hamas. I have repented for my anger, and praying for all the lost souls that are scoffers of our Great and Wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.
Someday it will be too late and then all of them will know the vengeance of God. It will be a horrible day for so many. Evil and persecution has and always be prevalent in this broken world. But I will not be afraid of what man can do to me…God’s will be done.
Deb, I am so sorry I have missed commenting lately! We recently had new windows installed and I have been going non stop! My house was in total disarray! We had to take down all blinds and drapes and move furniture away from all windows! I am so thankful for the blessing of new windows, but it sure took the wind out of my sails, to say the least. And my email still isn’t working and I have had no time to contact my internet provider to hopefully get it fixed! I can reply here, but it will not reply to direct emails! I will def be in touch with a reply asap! I sooo appreciate you and love everyone here! And dear Sue, I love you and pray we can chat again soon also!
And also I would like to request prayers for my dear next door neighbors and beloved friends. Al was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and Beverly lost her 32 yr old cousin to a bleeding ulcer. Her mom found out she has stage 3 kidney disease, and her dad is in late stages of Parkinson’s. My heart has broken for her and her own health issues are being exacerbated with all she is dealing with. She is devout in her faith, but she needs our prayers so much. She is numb and running on empty. Any prayers you can pray for her and her family, would be so very appreciated!!!
Blessings and love, Deb. And blessings to all who are here today!
Hey Kathy! We missed you! It sounds like you had a big project going. I’m sure you’ll really appreciate those new windows as cold weather sets in. It is so hard to hear about the many people being persecuted for their faithfulness to the Lord. We have so many reasons to “pray without ceasing.” And I am also praying for your sweet neighbor. It sounds like she has a great burden to carry right now. Asking the Lord to lighten her load and give her the health, strength, and peace that she and her loved ones need. Blessings and hugs to you, sweet friend!
Thank you sooo much dear friend for your encouragement and your prayers for my Bev and Al. Please say a prayer for me…right now Im ready to run screaming! Wondering if my home will ever be back to normal! Just one of those overwhelming times! I pray things are well with you and Rev and Sadie. I know God is with us and will get us through it all! Lov and hugs and hope u have a great wkend. I love you sooo much!
Hi Kathy,
I sure have missed you and I am so glad to see you replying again. I will keep your friends, Beverly and Al in my prayers for sure. I do hope to hear from you soon and I am grateful for this friendship with you. We had new windows installed a couple of years ago and it does make for a house of disray. Just think of how nice they will be and how beautiful the house will look when all back together. Much love and hugs to you,
Sue
Ooh my sweet friend, Sue! I have so missed you too! These past few weeks were a bit crazy! Ken made a trip in to Nashville to see his dad and then the windows came in and the installer called! I had to get blinds and furniture moved by myself and it was exhausting! Then i found out news about Bev and Al and that was hard and sad. I was trying to be there for her and see to everything here and it was overwhelming. In the meantime, Deb texted about helping us exchange emails and I so want to do that, but my email wouldn’t send a reply at all and I got so frustrated! It will let me send comments here, but no direct reply to just an email. I need to get in touch with my internet provider and get it fixed! I have no idea what has happened! Hopefully, I will have the time this wk to get it fixed! I will let Deb and you know so she can send your email to me and give mine to you! It would be so great to email back and forth any day! I look so forward to it and of course, still enjoy our chats here too! I hope things are well with you! I am beginning to get things back together and I am finally calming down, and with the Lord’s blessing, I will get to enjoy my morning devotions in the quiet early mornings! Sending you my love and prayers for God to surround you with His amazing grace and tender mercy.
Kathy,
I am glad that you are having time now to slow up a bit. You have had a lot going on and also your tender heart and love towards your neighbors and others is an inspiration to me. I look forward to communicating with you when you get the computer server and solve that problem. In the meantime, I am enjoying hearing from you through this wonderful website. You are so dear to me and your friendship is cherished. God is so good and sends us Angels doesn’t he? You and Deb, what beautiful Guardian Angels! Love and prayers, Sue
Thank you Deb for the words and prayers to give us hope in these difficult times we are going through. Prayers to all the persons in Israel & Hamas that have lost their love ones and that God continue to give them strength and peace.????
God give me the faith to not be afraid to speaking to others about your wonder love, Grace, Peace, and Mercy you always give us. Thank you dear Lord Jesus for being our defense from evil.
Have a wonderful blessed day Deb and all the ladies that follow you.
Blessings, Ana. May the Lord be with, bless, and protect His children everywhere. Thank you for your faithful and kind encouragement.
Once again thank you for this post. I certainly need to be bolder in my walk with the Lord!
Please pray for Isreal .
Thank you, Joyce. I’m glad you were blessed. Thank you for letting me know. And yes, we do pray for Israel and all God’s people everywhere. God be with you and bless you!