Persecution

Jesus said "blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".

I seem to be facing a fair amount of it lately, however, we learn not to complain but soldier on. Recently I had ventured out to help a young man addicted to drugs (in this case it was crack). I shared my testimony with him and the testimony of others that I had stored on my laptop. The meeting went well. I felt a connection with him. He wanted to go to a rehab centre and thus that is always a great outcome. The willingness to give up drugs or alcohol and turn your life around. Its hard to help people who do not want help.

As I left the young man's home I felt elated. I truly felt God's Spirit near (or in me, whichever it may be), I saw many signs of God even thanking me for my efforts. Yes God can thank His servants. Especially when we are so insecure that we need such encouragement (I fall into that category).

I was so much in joy I went to a local national park. I wanted to be in the wilderness to pray. Just as Jesus used to do when seeking God. I parked the car and ventured off enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature. I walked up a large hill and found a quiet spot. I must have prayed for about thirty minutes, read a little of the bible and then decided to go back home.

When I came back down the hill I found every window of my car smashed and glass everywhere. Drivers side , passenger, front/back, even the rear window was broken. Of course the laptop was gone. I immediately started giving thanks. Yes thanks. We are taught to give thanks in all circumstances. Not just when the going is good (its easy to give thanks then!) but also when the going is bad. God is good ALL THE TIME. That means he is good when your father dies, He is good when your child dies, he is good when your car is broken into. He hasn't turned bad at these times. Life comes with many blows, those that learn to roll with them are less effected by them. This was one of those moments to roll.

Obviously I knew this wasn't from God. God wasn't wishing me well for my work with the addict (two hours earlier) by kicking in all my car windows and stealing my laptop. No someone else was...In fact as a Pastor and missionary the attack was so blatantly obvious of being from the enemy (yes sorry the devil exists for those that didn't know - as CS Lewis once wrote "The devils greatest victory over man was making man believe he didnt exist"). For me having an answer to the break in actually softened the blow. Rather than cursing or feeling self pity I gave thanks to God for his comfort. The comfort of his words - "Blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness".

I had been doing God's work and we had a victory. A soul had believed the good news. In retaliation I had things of little consequence (compared to a human being) attacked. Things that rust and rot (as cars do) and therefore my heart isnt with them. Earthly things that Jesus tells us not to store up on earth. Yes I can use them to do God's will, but I certainly don't love my car or laptop. Why would I? Its a car. It will never love me back. It doesn't even know I exist.

When we put life into perspective we can see God always. Even in the bad times. When we praise him during such times, its then we understand how wonderful He is. Christ never promised an easy road. But he did promise to be with us till the end of it.

By the way the car got fixed and a new laptop was purchased. The lesson was learnt. Dont store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves things in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. My treasure was in heaven, a young man had been saved. Isn't that far more valuable (and fulfilling) than a car?? I promise you - he is to God.