Pastoral Connection: Out of the Shadows

June 9, 2024

“Our main role as believers is to represent the gospel of Jesus Christ at the cost of anything, including our lives.”

It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. The Bible teaches us that when we side with Jesus, making Him Lord over our lives, we are entering a spiritual battlefield. Persecution comes in many forms.  Although we are much less likely in the United States to suffer physical persecution, there are many other ways the enemy will try to overshadow the work of the Gospel in our lives.

The enemy tries to overshadow God’s work in us through many ways.  He may try to bring up sin and shame that is already covered by Jesus’ death on the cross.  He will sow seeds of doubt to drive back God’s light in our lives.

Of all the different forms of persecution that might overshadow us we know that prayer rooted in God provides us our greatest defense.

• Prayer rooted in God’s name pushes the enemy back.
• Prayer rooted in God’s Word cancels the enemy’s threats.
• Prayer rooted in God’s mission emboldens us over the enemy.

Be reassured that we will suffer persecution in the form of spiritual attack, but we have spiritual tools at our disposal that we can use to drive back the darkness.

Dive Deeper

2 Timothy 3:12, 13 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”

Matthew 5:10 – 12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for y our reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Practical Application

As you spend time in God’s Word, use the truth of His Word to help form your prayers back to Him.

Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. God provides for us His armor for us to fight the daily spiritual battles of our lives.  Grounding yourself in prayer and His Word in order stand firm in the knowledge that you shall be greatly rewarded in Heaven for your steadfastness.