One of the areas in life that we must learn to overcome is persecution. Of course, I recognize that there are different degrees of persecution.
Here in the United States, for instance, we do not know the kind of persecution experienced by Christians in other lands. But the Word of God does not give us different principles for overcoming these varying degrees of suffering by persecution.
One of the causes of persecution is religious spirits. When religious spirits are operating, you will see jealousy, pride, and self-righteousness.
This is why Jesus was so persecuted when He was here on earth. The sinners really were not the ones who persecuted Him; they came, were healed, then supported Him. The people who persecuted Jesus were the ones who thought they had the light; but their “enlightenment” was really darkness.
Your relatives and friends might have spoken ugly of you, saying things like: “Speaking in tongues – that’s of the devil! Did you hear about her? She’s caught up with that religious, charismatic bunch! Every time you see her, she’s muttering to herself. She even carries her Bible to the grocery store and puts it in her grocery basket. How disgusting! Something’s wrong with her.”
Don’t feel alone! People said that John the Baptist was demon possessed. They didn’t like it because he wouldn’t drink anything strong or join in with their New Year’s Eve party!
Do you know what they said about Jesus? His relatives said He was beside himself (Mark 3:21). Because He went to sinners’ houses and ate, the religious people called Him a winebibber and a glutton (Matt. 11:19). They even accused Him of being demon possessed (Luke 11:15).
You can’t please everyone. Whether you are nice or mean, someone somewhere will probably say you have a demon! It just doesn’t make any difference. If they said these things about Jesus, why would they say anything different about you? You have the same Light in your spirit.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Annette Capps is the President and CEO of Capps Ministries, an ordained minister, businesswoman, and licensed airplane pilot. A diversity of experiences created her unique and practical approach to ministry. She brings a balanced message of the supernatural and the natural. This combination of the practical and the prophetic stirs faith in the hearts of audiences.
A lifelong student of the Bible, she has ministered across the nation and has authored seven books, "Reverse the Curse in Your Body and Emotions", Removing the Roadblocks to Health and Healing", Overcoming Persecution", "Angels", "God's Creative Power for Finances", her best seller "Quantum Faith" and newest release "The Spirit of Prophecy".
Along with continuing the radio ministry of her father, Charles Capps, she is now the host of the Concepts of Faith television program which broadcasts on many independent stations and networks including Daystar, TCT Network, and The Victory Channel.
Coming from a long family history of farming, Annette maintains this close connection with the land by managing her family's farmland in Arkansas. She and her husband live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where the ministry is now located.