Abba,

We have lived our whole lives in a sense of freedom and ease regarding our ability to openly acknowledge and worship you.  We have lived in acceptance and tolerance.  Persecution, at its fullest extent, we have rarely, if ever, experienced.  Sure, we have faced criticism, ridicule, scorn, mocking, unequal treatment, prejudice, and other forms of persecution; for that is what it is, persecution.  We have faced threats, isolation, intimidation, and manipulation from those whose values clash with that of Yours.  We have experienced these things but rarely have we attributed then to persecution.  In our minds, when we picture persecution, we often have a romanticized version of it.  We picture it in extreme terms of our faith or our life.  But there are indeed lesser expressions of persecution that we face.  Persecution at its fullest and most extreme extent will result in violence and death.  But it never begins there. 

We are seeing an increase in persecution in our own nation; a nation that once had been founded upon biblical principles.

Once upon a time. 

What once was satisfied at the extent of ridicule and scorn, is no longer satisfied and is crying out for more blood.  The mobs are rioting and demanding justice against those whose views oppose their own and against truth that reveals the darkness of their sins.

We should not be surprised by it. Scripture has prepared us for just such a time.  But surprised we are at times.  Too often surprised. 

But it is here.

Abba, the very thought of facing pain, torture, violent abuse for my love for you…it makes my blood run cold.  The thought of them using my family, hurting them, abusing them to get me to recant my faith in you…that makes it run even colder.

No saint, no believer has ever enjoyed these things in the sense of delighting in scorn and pain.  Certainly many, if not all, rejoice in the sufferings when they come in light of sharing in Christ’s own suffering and being counted worthy to suffer for His name sake.   But none would have invited it or sought it for their lives. 

And yet, you bring good out of it.  The gospel has always advanced when persecution comes.  In times of great persecution, everything is reevaluated and priorities are rearranged.  The gospel resurfaces to the place of prominence to which it belongs and time is counted with greater earnestness as how much of it one has remaining is suddenly uncertain and the time is redeemed more readily. 

Prepare us, Father, for that day when it comes. May our love for you be ever increasing so that in that day, when we stand and must give account, we will boldly and unashamedly stand resolute, declaring our unfailing love for you. We know how weak our flesh is. We know how foolish and fickle we are apart from you. We know that our strength to stand will not come from us. We know that our conviction to endure is not found in the flesh. You alone have the strength and might to enable us to stand fast. In that day, when it comes, fulfill your promise to supply the grace and wisdom to speak unreservedly for your name and your glory!