CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION – HOW SHOULD WE LIVE THROUGH IT?

Christian persecution is a matter that belongs to the spiritual realm. When we are dealing with spiritual matters, we have to use spiritual means to defend ourselves, and not flesh led earthly means. The quicker we learn this lesson, the better it is for us and for our spiritual health.
– “3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
– “12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” – Daniel 10:12-13
– “20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come.” – Daniel 10:20
– “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
– “19 we have known that we are of God, and the whole world lies [under the power] of the evil

;” – 1 John 5:19

Having laid this as our foundation, let us explore what can we do, and should do, while facing persecution. Here is a list of things which I personally believe and follow. I am sure it will be of help to you too.

1- PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!
First and foremost, we Christians should pray to the LORD Jesus, and seek His grace, strength and help in times of suffering persecution.
– “All the persecutions of each member should be lifted up in prayer before God.” – Charles Spurgeon

2- TRUST GOD AT ALL TIMES!
Learning to trust God, His will, His purposes and His timing of all things, including our safety, our protection and our relief from persecution at all times. Such trust becomes essential and critical during the time of persecution.

3- DO NOT BE AFRAID!
As a Christians we are called to trust God at all times, more so in times of our persecution. We are called not to trust our natural inclinations or feelings. Being afraid is one of the first inclinations or feelings that would sweep over us. This is when we are to stand strong and tell ourselves to trust God, and His immutable promises, and not our inclinations, our feelings and our emotions.

4- KEEP OURSELVES CLEAN!
Keeping ourselves unspotted and clean is one of the most important things a Christian should be doing generally. Such a godly conduct becomes even more critical at times when we are facing persecution for our faith in the LORD Jesus. 
– “16 having a good conscience, so that whenever they speak against you as evildoers, they may be ashamed—[those] who are maligning your good behaviour in Christ; 17 for if the will of God wills it, [it is] better to suffer doing good, than doing evil;” – 1 Peter 3:16-17

5- LEAVE THE REST TO GOD!
Our safety and our protection is from the LORD. It is He who can save us. It is He alone who will save us. Therefore, it is wise for us to trust God for His promised protection, and leave it there, rather than be worrying and being afraid of what might happen. Our LORD Jesus is good and gracious, and He truly cares for us, our safety and our welfare.

Here under are a few more verses from the Word of God to help us gain much needed spiritual insight and strength, as we face persecution, struggles and storms from our adversary, the Devil.
– “​1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” – Psalm 46:1-3
– “​1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
– “​1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” – Psalm 121:1-3
– “4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” – Psalm 121:4-8

Here is a sum-up – Love God; live for our LORD; love our enemies; pray for all our persecutors; obey the law of the land – above all, obey the LORD Jesus, who died for us, and purchased our redemption by the sinless offering of Himself on the Cross of Calvary. The LORD Jesus will take care of everything that concerns us.
– “31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” – Romans 8:31-32
Even so, the LORD help us.