Surviving Persecution

Written By Betty Predmore

SURVIVING PERSECUTION

1 PETER 1:1-12

(November 22)

Peter had a purpose for writing this letter. He wrote it specifically to new Christians and those planning to be baptized. He wanted them to know what opposition was ahead of them, and he hoped his words would encourage them through the persecution they would face.

Christians of that time had an unclear legal status. A lot of Romans still considered them part of the Jewish sect, and since the Jewish religion was considered legal, the Christian religion was also considered legal.

The Jews weren't too happy about being legally associated with the Christians. Sometimes they physically harmed them, drove them out of town, or got the Roman officials to turn on them. This persecution was hard on the Christians.

Some were also persecuted by their own families. Roman law was that the man was the head of the household and the authority over the family. If a wife and children were believers but the husband was not, they often experienced great hardship in their own homes. Sometimes they were sent away, with nowhere to turn but to the church. If they were beaten, the courts would not defend them.

Peter wants to assure these Christians that, even though they are going through persecution, there is joy ahead when they keep their faith and endure what is coming against them. Their faith will continue to strengthen and be refined, becoming far more precious than mere gold.

He speaks of the "Spirit of Christ". This is another name for the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised to send to his followers before he left this earth. This spirit is to be our teacher, helper, counselor, and guide. It is this Spirit that would help those believers survive persecution and receive the glory and honor promised to all who believe and put their faith in Christ.

What things are you being asked to stand strong against? What persecutions are you enduring? Are you letting the Spirit of Christ guide you through the trials? Are you putting your faith in Christ and waiting in joyful anticipation for the glory to come?

I can't imagine walking through the valleys of this life without my guide, my compass, my Jesus. We were not meant to walk through life alone. We were meant to take every step with our Savior whose final destination for all of us in in glory with him for all eternity.

Grab his hand, take a step, and hold on. He will lead you through the fires you face and bring you into joy and peace.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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