Why do people give you a hard time for serving God?
Posted on 2 November 2023 Posted By: therivercoshocton.com
Categories: Devotional
I always think it’s interesting that there are people who didn’t give two spits when you were in the world living in sin, depressed, anxious, strung out on drugs and alcohol, hooking up with strangers, but once you start going to Church and serving God they suddenly start giving you a hard time. You hear things such as, “You better be careful”, “I can’t believe you get up that early for Church every week”, “I’m really concerned about what you’re getting into”
You have to understand that the devil wants you back into his kingdom and will bring discouragement, temptations and difficulties to try to get you to quit.
The Bible says in Colossians that you were brought out of the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light. Darkness wants you back! The devil is cunning. If he used some random stranger to persecute you, it would be easy to ignore, but many times it is those closest to us that he wants to use to discourage us.
Remember, it was Peter who tried to discourage Jesus from fulfilling His destiny by going to the cross. Jesus told Peter “Get behind me, Satan”. Jesus is our example of rising above those who come to discourage you.
In reality, when you get pushback (persecution) for serving God, it proves you are a true follower and on the right track! The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
No one is exempt! All Christians will suffer some form of persecution if they want to live a godly life. In their workplace, their family, friends, etc…
Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-12 “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
Don’t draw back! Don’t quit! GO FORWARD – God has great things ahead for you!
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
