Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Devotional: We have already learned about how the spirit of the antichrist is at work in the world. But much more importantly, the Holy Spirit is at work in our world and in our lives too. Where the antichrist persecutes, the Holy Spirit gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding. He gives us confidence in our eternity. He gives us a reason to hope.
Recall the persecution that Paul faced. In 2 Corinthians 11:23, he writes, “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.” Paul, after recognizing Jesus as His Savior, runs in full pursuit of Him. He does everything he can to equip churches and propel the gospel forward. And this is after years where he himself persecuted other Christians. He was thrown in jail, beaten, persecuted, outcast, and eventually killed. A martyr for the faith.
In the midst of it all, he said, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Paul was confident in what Jesus had done on the cross for him. He wanted others to share in that Good News. He was also confident about where he would be spending eternity. Therefore, he had peace when faced with all these trials. He had hope and strength because of Christ.
Take heart, friends. Though there are people all over the world who are persecuted and harmed for their faith, those same people are given the peace and the confidence that comes with the Holy Spirit. He is alive and at work in the lives of Christians all around the globe.
Reflect:
- Continue to pray for the persecuted church. Pray that they would feel a renewed peace and zeal that they recognize comes from the Holy Spirit.