Embracing Persecution: How the Trials of Faith Refine Us
When we stand for the gospel and live the character of Jesus Christ, we will face persecution. If we are walking in the purity of the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14), then persecution is part of our earthly inheritance.
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
When we face persecution, it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Jesus. If we are not facing persecution, then we are not living the life of Jesus Christ. This does not mean that all of our persecution will be the same, as it can manifest itself in different ways. As spiritual leaders, our greatest persecution will often come from the people of God themselves.
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John 15:20
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. 1 Peter 4:12-14
It is important to note that persecution is always, first and foremost, spiritual.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 ESV
The spiritual warfare we face will always manifest in the physical. Persecution is the physical manifestation of spiritual warfare.
Our battles are not against visible adversaries but are rooted in a deeper, more pervasive spiritual conflict. This spiritual warfare inevitably manifests itself in our physical world, influencing our interactions and experiences. Therefore, understanding this spiritual dimension enables us to approach persecution with the right mindset, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and resilience in overcoming these trials. By equipping ourselves with this perspective, we can better navigate the complexities of persecution, ensuring our responses are informed by a comprehensive view of both its seen and unseen elements. Before we discuss, how to endure in the face of persecution, we must understand the types of persecution, and God’s heart for His people in the face of it.
#1 Persecution of Character
Persecution often manifests most insidiously through attacks on one’s character, particularly for those in spiritual leadership. This form of persecution is not just about discrediting a person; it aims to undermine their spiritual authority and sow seeds of doubt among their followers. Character assassination can be a powerful tool used against spiritual leaders because it strikes at the core of their influence—trust.
A poignant example from the Bible is the case of Moses. Despite leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses frequently faced criticism and suspicion from the very people he was helping. His decisions were questioned, and his intentions doubted, particularly when faced with hardships like the lack of water or food in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-3). These challenges to his character were not just personal attacks—they were direct assaults on his capacity to lead as ordained by God.
Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” Exodus 17:2-3 ESV
Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul experienced significant persecution of his character. One striking incident is recorded in Acts 16:16–24, where Paul and Silas are imprisoned not for a crime but because they cast out a demon from a slave girl, thereby eliminating her owners' source of income from her fortune-telling. The response to Paul's ministry was hostility and physical imprisonment. Here, Paul's character was attacked by those falsely accused him of causing chaos and disrupting social order, painting him as a troublemaker rather than a man of God.
These scriptural accounts resonate even today, as spiritual leaders often face similar character attacks. When a leader’s integrity is called into question, it can lead to division within the community, weakening the collective faith of the group. The emotional and spiritual toll on leaders facing such persecution can be profound. Constantly being under scrutiny can lead to burnout, disillusionment, or a crisis of faith. It requires immense spiritual resilience and a strong support system to withstand such trials and continue to lead effectively.
#2 Persecution of Vision
Persecution can also manifest as an attack on the vision and prophetic insights given by God to His chosen leaders. This type of persecution aims to undermine the prophetic directive and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the visionary’s role and the truth of their message. Such attacks can be particularly destructive as they target the spiritual guidance and future direction of an entire community.
A notable instance of this is seen in the life of Moses. Throughout his mission to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, Moses received direct revelations from God. However, his prophetic visions were often met with skepticism and outright rebellion from the people. For example, when Moses shared God's commandments and guidance, as in Numbers 14:1-4, instead of obedience, he faced the people's desire to return to Egypt, indicating a rejection of the vision he communicated.
That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
#3 Persecution of Bodily Affliction
Persecution in the form of bodily affliction involves physical beatings, torture, or suffering due to sickness or illness. Such trials test one’s spiritual resilience and faith in God.
Jeremiah: In the Old Testament, Jeremiah stands as a poignant example of someone who suffered from physical persecution due to his prophetic role. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often bore the brunt of physical violence because of the messages he delivered from God. One of the most brutal episodes he faced was when he was beaten and put into the stocks by Pashhur the priest, after prophesying against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 20:1-2). This physical punishment was both a personal attack and an attempt to discredit his prophetic messages.
When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the official in charge of the temple of the Lord, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the Lord’s temple.
Apostle Paul: Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul experienced numerous instances of bodily affliction. His missionary journeys were marked by multiple beatings, stonings, and imprisonments. For example, in Acts 16:22-23, Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi after exorcising a spirit from a slave girl, which led to economic loss for her owners. These beatings were not only physically devastating but were also meant to deter him from spreading the Christian faith.
Persecution of Finances
In our journey of faith, persecution of finances targets the economic stability and resources of individuals or church communities, aiming to inhibit their ability to perform ministry work or even sustain basic livelihoods.
Scripture provides insight into this form of persecution. For instance, in the book of Nehemiah, we see Sanballat and Tobiah opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, including economic sabotage aimed at stopping the work (Nehemiah 4:1-23). Their tactics included threats, psychological warfare, and attempts to create fear among the workers, thereby draining resources and delaying the construction. This kind of pressure can lead to decreased community engagement and a dwindling congregation, as members might begin to feel helpless or disconnected from their spiritual leaders.
How are we called to respond to the persecution we face as we follow God?
The Blessed Life: The Persecuted Believer
As followers of God navigating the turbulent waters of persecution, our response is not merely a matter of resilience or endurance—it is about recognizing and embracing the blessedness that comes with such trials. Persecution offers a unique conduit through which believers are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:29 that God's ultimate goal for us is to be conformed to the image of His Son.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Persecution peels away our layers of self-reliance and worldly comfort, compelling us to lean entirely on God’s grace and mercy. Through these trials, our character is refined, our faith is purified, and our dependence on God becomes complete.
Jesus Himself endured the ultimate persecution—wrongfully condemned, beaten, and crucified—yet He responded with forgiveness and love. In undergoing persecution, we are invited to share in Christ’s sufferings; in doing so, our lives increasingly reflect His humility, patience, and unconditional love.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14
God will Grant Us Favor in the Face of Persecution
As believers are displaced or harmed due to persecution, God provides new opportunities, resources, and protection to sustain them. The scattering of the Jerusalem church led to the growth of Christian communities elsewhere, showing how God’s provision can come through unexpected means.
And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 8:1
One of the most striking examples of God turning persecution into favor is the transformation of Saul into Paul. Saul, who approved and participated in the persecution of early Christians, experienced a dramatic conversion that not only changed his life but also had a profound impact on the spread of the gospel (Acts 9). This transformation from persecutor to apostle highlights how God can radically repurpose the lives of those who oppose His work into powerful testimonies of His grace and mercy.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalms 34:19
Through the trials of persecution, believers will experience profound spiritual deepening and strengthening of their faith. This spiritual maturity equips them to handle future challenges and to minister to others with empathy and wisdom.
But the Lord is with me as a mighty awesome one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten. Jeremiah 20:11
Maintaining the right spiritual perspective is foundational to enduring persecution and gaining victory in spiritual battles. In the face of persecution, we must not fix our eyes on the physical but on the spiritual reality.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 ESV
At the end of the day, persecution can only intimidate the people of God, but it cannot stop them. In the book of Acts, we see the early church strengthening in numbers daily in the face of persecution. In fact, throughout the history of the church, in the midst of persecution, the church only expanded. As we endure in the face of persecution, we are conformed in the image of Christ, and in that process, our spiritual authority is strengthened. We receive the boldness to put on the armor of God and tear down the spiritual strongholds that resist the gospel. It is through prayer that we overcome every snare of the enemy. As the Holy Spirit exposes the enemy’s tactics, He downloads to us the prophetic strategies we need corporately and individually to overcome.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 ESV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV
The Call to Persevere
In navigating the stormy waters of persecution, we find that these trials are not mere obstacles but opportunities for profound spiritual growth and transformation. True to the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of countless saints before us, persecution serves as a crucible that refines our character, deepens our faith, and aligns us closer to the life Christ led. By understanding the nature and purpose of persecution—whether it challenges our character, vision, finances, or even our physical well-being—we are better equipped to face these trials not with fear but with courage and joy.
As we embrace the path of righteousness, we must recognize that persecution is an affirmation of our commitment to living out the gospel. It is a sign that we are following in the footsteps of Jesus, who was Himself persecuted for righteousness' sake. Let us, therefore, approach each challenge with the assurance that our trials are neither random nor futile but are part of a divine strategy to cultivate within us a spirit that is robust, reliant on God, and resilient against the adversities of this world.
To those who endure, the promise is clear: our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Blessed are we when we persevere under trial, for when we have stood the test, we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12-15
Let us then move forward with unshakeable faith, holding fast to the hope that is set before us, and always ready to defend the gospel with a spirit of meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). In doing so, we not only uphold the legacy of those who came before us but also set a beacon of hope for those who will follow, demonstrating that the kingdom of heaven is indeed made up of such as these.
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11 NIV
With every challenge, remember: our response to persecution is a testimony of our faith and a witness to the strength and sovereignty of God. It is in our most trying moments that His power is made perfect in our weakness. As we stand firm against the trials of this life, we are forged into the image of Christ, prepared to inherit the eternal kingdom and ready to receive the ultimate reward that awaits us in glory. Let us, therefore, rejoice in our sufferings and press on towards the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Philippians 3:13-15 ESV
