“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.”
Acts 12:1-4 NKJV
John and James would suffer persecution because of their faith in Jesus. John would be exiled to the island of Patmos. He would experience the pain of losing his blood brother, James, and many of his brothers in Christ, to violent martyrs’ deaths.
In what circumstance are you facing rejection, ridicule, or exclusion because of your faith? We can persevere in suffering and gain strength in the hard times by trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
Father God, I thank You for the privilege of sharing in the suffering of Your Son, Jesus. Lord, help me to experience the fullness of Your comfort, love, and presence when I face hostile people and circumstances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:28-31 NKJV