The persecution of Christians around the world is expected to increase in 2019, with a watchdog group sharing particular concern for believers in Nigeria, China, and India. “Release International,” which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, said in a press release that 215 million believers face violence and discrimination for their faith.
215 million—that’s a staggering number, especially when considering that as of January 1, 2018, the population of United States of America was estimated to be approximately 328 million. The number of those martyred for their faith varies because of the difficulties in obtaining those numbers where persecutions are hidden and unreported by the media, but all believe the numbers are increasing each year. It is generally acknowledged by those who follow such things that Christianity is the most persecuted group of all believers around the world.
I am not sure why I was researching persecution, maybe it was reading 1 Peter 5. As Peter was closing his first letter, he reminded his readers that their enemy prowled around looking for someone to devour. He also reminded them that they needed to remember their own suffering was not unique, in fact they were sharing in the “same sufferings” that their brothers were experiencing in the world.
Then he added, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
“After you have suffered a while” doesn’t sound very inviting, does it? And it is not something with which we are familiar in our nation. That may change, anti-Christian rhetoric does seem to be on the rise in our nation. Yet, Peter, after warning about “after you have suffered a while,” also reminded his readers of the blessings to follow. The God of all grace will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. That will be for His glory and because His is the dominion forever and ever. Amen!
