“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
John 15:18

You must be aware that the moment you say yes to Jesus, you have signed up for persecution. By mentioning His name alone, you could develop enemies. Yet, He doesn’t want you to worry because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). If as a Christian, you don’t go through any persecution, you may need to check your salvation. Jesus said:
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
Luke 6:26

Every true Christian will face persecution: at the office, in the family, amongst friends or with strangers. What matters is how you handle it. Some go back to the world because they cannot stand while some others get stronger after going through it. Which category are you in?

Be deliberate about increasing your spiritual strength. Study your Bible more, pray more, be regular at fellowship with the brethren. This is because surely, your spiritual strength will be tested someday (Proverbs 24:10). On such a day, it is how much of God you have in you that will determine your actions.

Those who pray in tongues regularly are supernaturally empowered to withstand any form of persecution. This is why Paul did not relent in preaching the gospel despite all the persecution he went through; he remained steadfast. Peter denied Jesus before He was baptized in the Holy Ghost, but as soon as the Holy Ghost came upon him, he endured persecution and described it as a good thing (Acts 5:41).

No matter how much the devil challenges you, do not yield. No matter how much you have been threatened to accept a bribe or manipulate figures, stand strong. As long as you stand with Christ, you would never be defeated. He has already overcome the world.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.