Topic: Strength in the midst of persecution [Wednesday 21 October, 2015]
“And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possessions of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.”-Genesis 26:13-14
Being successful is a sweet experience, especially when it is in something you love doing. Several experiences accompany success such as fame, glory, abundance – financial and material, but it can also come with envy, strife and persecution. Yes, success usually comes with persecution, because not everyone likes you being successful.
Some people prefer you being at their mercy, and its worse when your success is in the area of ministry and comes with abundance. People have often imagined ministers as “miserable church rats,” so it beats their imagination when you become the opposite and that calls for persecution. However, you can look past those persecuting comments and actions, and still stand tall enjoying God’s blessings in your life.
You must understand that persecutions are traps of the devil to sway you away from your vision. They are meant to distract and make you weary, so you don’t fulfill God’s plan for your life. Therefore, do not give in to them. Set your eyes towards the goal, and pursue hard after it, no matter what anybody says.
The truth is: People usually don’t see you when you are going through the journey making sacrifices; you only get noticed when it’s time to reap the harvest. So, rather than being bothered about what they say, you should with some sense of gratitude and accomplishment, enjoy what you have laboured for, without paying attention to any side comments.
You must know that persecution is a part of life, and if you are truly doing God’s will especially in ministry, it’s unavoidable. However, you must build a defence against it by focusing more on the Sender and the prize (Hebrews 12:2). Therefore, don’t be distracted, because God is determined to stir up jealousy by releasing His blessings upon you. You will not lose it!
Remain Blessed!
Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
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