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Shame from persecution

I’m reflecting on several different causes of shame this week. We’ve talked about:

There’s also shame that comes from persecution, even when we’re in the right. We don’t have a lot of religious persecution in the U.S., not like our brothers and sisters endure in other countries, but we do still face pushback.

Testimonies shared with me

A woman who takes her Bible to work with her every day so she can read during her breaks is made fun of by her co-workers. She’s teased and called names. There’s a temptation to make it stop. She contemplates, briefly, leaving her Bible at home. After all, she could read it on her phone. She considers trying to fit in better by cursing once in a while, showing her anger, going out for drinks so she doesn’t come across as a Miss Goody Two-shoes. The Holy Spirit convicts her to stand her ground and gives her encouragement to press on, and she does. She prays for her co-workers, for those who taunt her.

A father tries to talk to his children about Christ and is met with anger and resentment. Eventually, his children avoid him altogether and he begins to wonder if he was too insistent. He begins to doubt whether he should even share the gospel if the price isn’t too great. When he thinks of his kids, he wishes he could turn back time. He feels bad about being so bold about his faith. The Holy Spirit comforts him and encourages him to not be ashamed of sharing the truth. The father prays for his children and prays for the words and opportunities to continue to share the Good News. He understands what God has called him to do and he is obedient.

There are so many stories such as these where believers are made to feel that they’re the ones in the wrong for being bold in their faith. During those times, and at all times actually, we need to lean on the Holy Spirit. Seek Him for guidance and support.

Bible Verse of the Day

Today’s Bible passage is from Psalms when David is hiding from his son Absalom, but I believe it is a wonderful prayer for those who are feeling persecuted in any respect.

O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people! Selah
Psalm 3:1-8 ESV

Do not let the enemy shame you into suppressing your love for Christ. Shout it from the mountaintops! Remember, your testimony may save others from an eternity in hell.

Prayer

Oh, Father God, please lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling with their calling, who are feeling ashamed for the boldness of their faith. Please encourage them. Please take away that horrible feeling we get in the pit of our stomachs when we feel we’ve done something wrong. Lord, please soften the hearts of their persecutors. Open their hearts that they may receive the free gift being offered to them.
Father, please stop the war in Ukraine. Russia continues to attack even after pledging not to, even during peace negotiations. Lord, we pray for David to be able to rise up against Goliath once again. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.