Our Scripture reading today is 2 Timothy 3:10-12.
Verse 12, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
The Apostle Paul puts to rest the health, wealth and prosperity way of thinking for the Christian. While God does supply all of our need according to His riches, we are also reminded of the challenges that will come even when we are living godly lives. I like the statement at the end of verse 11, "...out of them all the Lord delivered me." We have the same Lord today Who is more than capable of delivering us. He has a specific purpose for whatever we are facing today. Keep in mind, Paul is writing this from prison and he will never be a "free" man again. It is evident that God's grace is still sufficient for Paul even in his last days on earth.
Persecution is a relative word depending on where you live. We might think persecution is having a few freedoms taken away while others would love to have any freedom of religion. Men and women have always been persecuted for the truth and it will always be that way until Jesus Christ returns. We have a high and holy responsibility to continue to deliver the truth that was once delivered to us. Now is the time to advance the Gospel so much the more!