It's expected. Everyone will face persecution. The bible clearly states so - if you are a christian you will face persecution. We face persecution just by being christian.
I never really understood persecution in the spiritual aspect. I'm blessed to be living in a country where there is some partial form of freedom to choose what to believe, at least for my race anyway. Now I don't like to use the word 'religion'. To me, religion equates to what you are doing wrong, and how you should be doing right - laws, rules and regulations to holiness. Let me firstly clarify - christianity is NOT a religion. Now I could go through this point of mine, which many might differ, but I would be deviating from my topic today. I guess I'll have to leave that for another blog.
I believe that people in countries where there is a strong control of beliefs face constant and dire persecution if they are christian. I guess none of us would really understand that unless we have experienced it some form or another. And as a result, I took Jesus' words for granted when he spoke of persecution. I guess I couldn't really relate. Life has been pretty swell for me in this area. Where I did face persecution however, is in my work - and I didn't imagine it would be so strong.
In my line of work, I face alot of persecution, disappointments, discouragements and disrespect. I knew I was in for a difficult job, one which people won't really respect you for what you are doing; a line of work whom people seem to disrespect without any proper reason. What upsets me I suppose, is how people can belittle you for just telling them what you do for a living. Amazing. I realised that this happens in social events, amongst friends, and even in church (*GASP*). It hurts even more when you know and believe in what you do is really helping others.
Honestly, I usually get pissed. My usual response isn't very friendly. However, the more I thought about it, the more I felt I could start relating to those who were being persecuted for what they believed in. This is when God brings me to the story of Jesus in the gospels. He himself, who had no sin or wrongdoing, was being persecuted for no reason whatsoever. This shows me one thing - you can go through alot of tribulation for no apparent reason at all.
I guess the problem isn't me or my work. It's people. It's no wonder we all needs salvation.
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Sincere apologies that I have no scripture reference in this blog - it's just a random response to series of events I have been experiencing that I thought I can share.
