"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

                            -Matthew 5:10 

In a country where persecution is almost unheard of, it is hard for many of us to imagine the dangers that our brothers and sisters face in foreign lands. We think we have it rough when our friends make fun of us for going to church, when they go to jail for attending Sunday services. We feel tempted to give up on Christ after we get our feelings hurt, but they persevere despite physical torture. So why is it that they endure this type of treatment so willingly? It's because they accept it as part of the package when they become a Christian.

"...If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you..."

                            -John 15:20

Notice hear that Jesus didn't say, "...they will also persecute middle-easterners." He made an all-inclusive statement that every Christian will at some point face persecution. If we expect to be ridiculed, then we won't be surprised when we are. People in China, India, Columbia, etc., know that if they become a Christian they will most likely lose life or limb because of it. Thus, when trouble comes knocking, they are prepared to answer the door. Likewise, if we aren't expecting to face hardship, then when we do we won't be prepared to face it.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 

                            -II Corinthians 12:10

Though persecution isn't something any of us have a desire to experience, we should remember that it is during those times of affliction that we are drawn closer to God and His glory is displayed most brightly in our lives. In light of these things, we should welcome any persecution God allows us to endure, knowing that He has a purpose behind everything that He does.

"But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew..."

                            -Exodus 1:12