When reading Matt. chapter five, I of course read verses three through eleven. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
After reading thus far, I, in my shallowness and humanity prayed," Lord, help me to be poor in spirit, let me mourn if it will bring me closer to you, make me meek, let me thirst for righteousness, make me pure in heart, let me be a peacemaker", and here I stopped and thought, what if he gives me what I ask for? So far I had been sincere in my prayers but, should I really pray, "Lord let me be persecuted? I mean, If it comes, "God give me grace to bear it", but, to ask for it? At this point I read verse Twelve, Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Also I recalled Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. And here I realized, It is ridiculous to try to enjoy suffering just for the sake of suffering. However, I can have exceeding joy in persecution, not because I enjoy it, but because of who I suffer for. Truly it is an honor to bear the name of Christ; an honor to suffer to some small degree as he suffered! Thank God for all of his blessings, including persecution!
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