Jesus said there will be persecution for righteousness’ sake. He was not making a “bad confession” or a negative statement; He was simply warning us so that we could count the cost of following Him.
Why would anyone want to persecute a believer who is trying to walk according to the Word of God?
The answer is simple: The light of God that is in a righteous person exposes the darkness in others, and it makes them extremely uncomfortable.
The truth is they can’t stand it because it reveals the wickedness in them. If you were covered with dirt and grime, you certainly wouldn’t want to stand next to someone dressed in clean, white clothing. It’s too much of a contrast.
Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19). If sinners keep company with other sinners, they don’t look quite so bad!
I have been around some people who couldn’t even stay in the same room with me—not because I am superspiritual; but because of the life, the light, and the righteousness of God that is in me. That light exposed their evil deeds (to them) and convicted them of their sin.
If people are uncomfortable around you, it is probably because the Light is shining through you. That Light reveals all their sins. If they are religious, their “dirty clothes”—the filthy rages of their self-righteousness—will be exposed.
Once after having a perfectly good day, I stepped into a fast-food restaurant and ordered a hamburger with mustard (no onions!). The man behind the counter put my sandwich in a sack and said, “That’ll be $1.85.”
When I paid him, he took my change out of the cash register and threw it at me! I had to pick it up off the floor.
I thought, God, what’s wrong with me? I didn’t do anything to him.
God said, “The light in you exposes the darkness in him.”
Even in a restaurant, without a word said about God, that Light was shining, revealing and exposing.
The light and life of God shone through evangelist Smith Wigglesworth and exposed the darkness of others, even as he rode passenger trains.
God’s presence in him caused people to fall on the floor, screaming out, “God save me! I’m a sinner!”
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.